RSPH demands a universal right to a health workplace’

A study warns that nearly half of UK workers, or over 10 million people, lack access to basic health care, including routine health checks and flu vaccinations.

In its report, the Royal Society for Public Health has called for a universal right to a health workplace’ for every employee. Occupational health and HR should work together more closely to integrate health into their organizations.

The figures show that people in low-paying industries like agriculture and hospitality, which are the least healthy for workers, are overrepresented. They are therefore most likely to lose out on any support.

The report was published ahead of today’s second reading of Employment Rights Bill in the Parliament.

The Bill proposes a number changes to employment laws, such as universal sick pay starting on the first day of employment and flexible working becoming the default.

The RSPH argues that while the Bill is welcomed, more must be done to make the UK workplaces a driving force for good health in the UK population. The key recommendations include:

• The government should establish a national “Health and Work Standard” that is mandatory, defining a minimum standard of support to which employees are entitled.
• Businesses should be encouraged to pay employees a living wage while they’re off sick. Sick pay is available to all employees from the day of their employment.
• With the help of occupational health experts, HR professionals can improve their skills to better embed health improvements in their organizations.
• The government should find ways to encourage employers, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), invest in their employees in the short-term, so that they can reap the benefits of increased productivity in the long-term.
• The government should collaborate with the Office for National Statistics, business and other stakeholders to develop standardised data collection on workforce health. This will allow the impact of interventions be monitored and evaluated.

The RSPH has argued a focus on healthier workplaces can help reduce the cost of ill-health, which is estimated at approximately PS100bn per year.

William Roberts, chief executive of RSPH, said: “We’re at a critical moment for the health of our nation. A number of millions of people have to leave the workplace due to illness. Every year, it costs us tens and tens billions. This puts additional pressure on our health services, leaving people on waiting lists.

“The Employments Rights Bill represents a major step forward, but we must go faster and further. Our adult lives are spent in the workplace. We must think about the ways we can use our workplaces in order to promote health, prevent sickness, and keep people healthy.

As it is, workplaces exacerbate health inequalities. The result is that millions of people who would benefit most from workplace health supports are not receiving it.

We know that companies want to do more for their employees and to create healthy work environments. The report outlines a set of clear, actionable recommendations that can have a real impact on policymakers if they are implemented.