Marvin OnumonuRising business costs have put employee health cover at risk, a survey by health benefits provider Simplyhealth found.
According to the survey, seven in 10 businesses said they might have to cut employee health benefits.
Economic uncertainty and rising national insurance were cited by almost half of surveyed businesses as key factors.
Despite financial pressures, 73% of businesses felt more responsible for employee health due to the NHS crisis.
Employers prioritised ease of use for health benefits (61%), with concerns around cost (72%) and potential underuse by employees (59%).
Simplicity, speed of access, and coverage for pre-existing conditions were top factors driving employee usage of the benefits.
Simplyhealth has also launched a new product, offering 24/7 virtual GP, mental health, and physio support from £3 a month.
This range covers pre-existing conditions and allows employers to create a tailored health package for employees, with easy access through an app.
Paul Schreier (pictured), CEO at Simplyhealth, said: “Workplace health benefits are crucial for supporting people who need to get quick access to everyday healthcare treatments like GPs, mental health support and physio. It helps to ease the burden on the NHS.
“Over 70% of businesses want to do more to support the health of their staff; they tell us health benefits not only improve their employees’ health and wellbeing, but are also vital for morale and employee retention.”
Schreier added: “While there’s a clear return on investment for providing employee health benefits, the financial squeeze is impacting the majority of businesses, so we’re delighted to be launching a new range of products that will make it more affordable for them to offer cover to the whole of the workforce.”
