Zarah ChoudharyFormer chairman of John Lewis Partnership Sir Charlie Mayfield will lead the ‘Keep Britain Working Review’ to investigate the factors behind rising inactivity, and how Government and businesses can work together to turn this around.
The review follows the launch of the Get Britain Working White Paper, and will be one part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
More than a third of working age people reported a long-term health condition and around a quarter classed as disabled, the latter group being three-times more likely to be out of work or looking for work.
The review will start today (24th January) and conclude in the Autumn, with Mayfield meeting businesses and health and disability organisations across the country to identify the scale, trends, obstacles and opportunities for companies when recruiting and retaining ill and disabled people.
This phase will conclude in Spring with a report based on the findings from his conversations with company bosses, employees who have been supported to stay in work, and organisations who help those out of work, to inform wider engagement.
Recommendations to the Government are expected later this year.
Mayfield said: “Losing people from the workforce because of ill-health or disability is bad for many of the individuals, for the businesses employing them, and for the wider economy.
“It’s a growing problem for us all and it’s one that’s more likely to be resolved by business and government working together.
“I’m looking forward to engaging closely with businesses, government departments and the many organisations committed to improving our performance here.”
The review will identify measures to help ill and disabled people get into work and stay in work, comes ahead of reforms to health and disability benefits expected in the Spring.
Work and Pensions Secretary Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said: “Millions of people have been left without support to get into work and on at work, and completely held back from reaching their potential for far too long, and the record-high cost of long-term sickness benefits is evidence of that fact.
“That’s why I am pleased to have Sir Charlie leading this review, bringing a wealth of experience and helping us to get people into work, and most importantly keep them in work, so we can boost living standards and get our economy growing.”
Business and Trade Secretary Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds said: “It isn’t right that too many businesses are missing out on the people they need, while those who want to work can’t because of long-term sickness.
“Solving this problem is one of the greatest challenges facing the labour market, with years of poor support blocking those with great talent from helping drive our economy forward.
“The government is on the side of working people and is unashamedly pro-business.
“That’s why this review will be critical in getting businesses the people they need to unlock their full potential.”
Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of the CBI, said: “Lower rates of employment for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities is a tragic waste of potential that holds back economic growth and impacts on well-being.
“It denies people the opportunity to improve their personal financial security through work and prevents businesses from using their valuable skills and experience to grow the economy.
“Sir Charlie’s review is a welcome opportunity for business and government to co-design solutions that have a real impact.”
