Former John Lewis chair to lead ‘Keep Britain Working’ review

Former 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.