According to a new report, 47% of UK workers do not have access to essential health support, such as routine health checks and vaccinations, at their place of employment. This lack of basic workplace health provisions is particularly prevalent in industries such as agriculture and hospitality, where more than 10 million workers are estimated to be affected.
The report, published by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), highlights the detrimental impact of these sectors on workers’ health, stressing that lower-paid industries are disproportionately lacking in health support. The findings come in response to the Employment Rights Bill, which was announced in the King’s Speech in July. This bill seeks to establish a Fair Work Agency to uphold employment rights and ensure that flexible working and fair treatment are accessible from the first day of employment.
While the bill will return to the House of Commons for a second reading on 28 October, a recent government report estimates that its implementation could cost UK businesses up to £5 billion per year. Despite this potential cost, the RSPH has called for further action to solidify the ‘right to a healthy workplace.’
Calls for a Healthier Workplace Standard
The RSPH’s report recommends several changes to improve workplace health support, including the introduction of a mandatory Health and Work Standard. This would detail the minimum level of health support employees should be entitled to, such as sick pay from the first day of employment, training for HR staff on health improvement, and government data collection to monitor occupational health.
William Roberts, the RSPH’s chief executive, emphasized that these measures are crucial to addressing the nation’s health challenges. “Millions of people are leaving the workforce due to ill health. It costs us tens of billions every year and puts a strain on our health services,” Roberts said. He added, “The Employment Rights Bill is a big step forward, but we need to move faster. Workplaces should be places that promote health, not contribute to ill-health.”
The economic cost of workplace-related ill-health is estimated at £100 billion annually. By building healthier workplaces, the RSPH believes this cost can be reduced, benefiting both workers and the economy.
Epidemic of Long Working Hours
Alongside concerns over health support, recent findings from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) reveal that many UK workers are regularly exceeding the legal limits for working hours. A September survey showed that half of the respondents are working two or more unpaid hours per week, and one-quarter are working more than 48 hours per week, the legal maximum.
Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy at IOSH, described this as an ‘epidemic’ of overwork, which could further exacerbate health inequalities in the workforce. Wilkinson called for stronger governmental action, urging a review of frameworks surrounding occupational health, safety, and the increasing demands on workers.
The IOSH also stressed the need for transparency in employment contracts and a renewed focus on worker wellbeing, stating that the changing nature of work should not compromise employee health and safety.
The Workers Union says…
“Ensuring the health and wellbeing of workers is an essential part of any modern economy, and creating healthier workplaces will have far-reaching benefits for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.”
