PM must put workplace health at heart of prevention plans, says Healix Health

Ian Talbot, CEO of Healix Health, has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make workplace health a central part of his plans to build a more preventative state. 

This comes after Burnham pledged to build a “more preventative state” and help people “live well” in his first speech as PM. 

Talbot said: “Sir Charlie Mayfield is right to describe tackling workplace ill health as one of the biggest opportunities we have to drive growth in this country. 

“For many people, accessing the right support early enough can make the difference between staying healthy and needing time away from work. 

“Our own research found that 28% of employees took time off work last year because they couldn’t access the care they needed, showing why workplace health must form part of the government’s preventative approach.”

Talbot added: “The Keep Britain Working Review gives the new government a practical place to start. 

“We need to strengthen the infrastructure around workplace health, helping employers support prevention, early intervention and better healthcare navigation for their people. 

“This is not about employers replacing the NHS, which will always play the central role.”