**Tackle Workplace Sickness to Unlock Hidden Growth, Former John Lewis Boss Says**
Former John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield has emphasized the importance of addressing long-term illness-related unemployment as a means to unlock significant economic growth in the UK. Speaking recently, he highlighted that this issue represents a hidden opportunity for the economy, which he believes is "hiding in plain sight."
Sir Charlie's comments come in light of the formation of the Get Britain Working taskforce, which has garnered support from over 250 major employers across the UK, including notable companies such as British Airways, Tesco, and Royal Mail, along with various government departments. The taskforce aims to mitigate the impact of ill-health on employment by preventing individuals from dropping out of the workforce and encouraging those who have been signed off due to health issues to return.
According to official statistics, the economic cost of long-term sickness in the UK amounts to approximately £212 billion annually. This staggering figure underscores the urgency of addressing workplace health issues, as many employees find themselves isolated from their employers during periods of illness. Sir Charlie shared insights from his experiences, stating, "I can't tell you how many people I've met who said: 'I was signed off work for three months, or six months, and I never had any contact with my employer at all.'" He noted that this lack of communication is not indicative of poor employer intentions but rather a systemic issue in workplace culture.
The taskforce's approach includes monitoring sickness absence rates, return-to-work outcomes, and disability participation, which the government has indicated will provide unprecedented visibility into workplace health performance. This data-driven strategy aims to foster better communication and support systems within organizations, ultimately benefiting both employers and employees.
While the initiative has received widespread backing, some employers have expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of investing in workplace health, particularly in light of rising taxes. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the potential risks of pressuring individuals with health issues to return to work prematurely.
Despite these challenges, Sir Charlie remains optimistic about the potential for positive change. He believes that addressing these fundamental issues could significantly reduce the welfare bill, which is projected to account for 23.6% of total government spending in the 2025-2026 financial year. He stated, "Fixing these problems at the fundamental level could make a really big contribution to getting this economy working better — for employers, for employees, for the taxpayer, for all of us."
As the UK prepares for a potential change in leadership, with Andy Burnham expected to assume the role of Prime Minister later this month, there is mounting pressure to find solutions that can alleviate the welfare burden. Sir Charlie suggested that Burnham's commitment to fostering "good growth" aligns with the objectives of the Get Britain Working taskforce. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would support initiatives aimed at reintegrating individuals into the workforce who are currently sidelined due to health issues.
Sir Charlie concluded by asserting that enhancing workforce participation among those affected by long-term illness represents a straightforward method to bolster the economy. He remarked, "You wouldn't have had to build a single house, open a new channel of immigration, you wouldn't have to wait for a cohort of young people to join the workplace. This is basically growth hiding in plain sight."
The Get Britain Working taskforce's efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need to address workplace health and its implications for the broader economy. By fostering better communication and support for employees facing health challenges, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.