87% of employers recognise responsibility to support staff with health conditions, Aviva finds

More than four in five UK employers said the Government’s Keep Britain Working Review has influenced how they support employees with health conditions or disabilities, according to research from Aviva.

The study found 83% of employers said the review had influenced their organisation’s approach, while 87% agreed they had a responsibility to help employees with health conditions remain in work rather than waiting until they required long-term sickness absence.

Employer confidence in supporting staff returning after long-term ill health has also increased.

Four in five (80%) employers said their organisation was good at supporting employees returning to work following long-term ill health, up from 74% in 2024.

Recognition of employers’ responsibility for supporting returns to work increased from 82% to 87% over the same period.

The research, conducted among 502 UK employers between 26th August and 1st September 2026, also found businesses wanted greater external support.

More than half (56%) called for a greater focus on public health and helping people live healthier lives.

Half (50%) wanted more guidance on accessing best-practice support services, up from 45% in 2024, while 48% called for help making these services more affordable and 47% wanted additional guidance on employer best practice.