The Government has launched the independent review it promised to look at how employers could be better supported in employing people with disabilities or health conditions and keeping them on the job.
The Keep Britain Working Review is part of the government’s plans announced earlier this year, in its Get Britain Working White paper.
The Department for Work and Pensions announced that the review, which will be led by Sir Charlie Mayfield – former John Lewis boss – is officially underway. The government has also announced that it expects to release “major reforms in health and disability benefits” by spring.
The review will be completed by autumn. Mayfield will meet with businesses, health and disability organizations across the country in order to identify trends, opportunities and obstacles for companies to recruit and retain ill and handicapped people.
The first phase of the project will be completed in the spring. A report based on findings from interviews with bosses at companies, employees who were helped to remain in employment, and organizations that help people out of work will be published to inform a wider engagement. Later this year, the government is expected to make recommendations.
Mayfield also served as chair of both the British Retail Consortium and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. He said that losing people to ill health and disability was bad for individuals, businesses, and the economy.
“It is a problem that affects us all, and one which can be solved more effectively by working with government and business together.” I look forward to working closely with the businesses, government departments, and many other organisations dedicated to improving our performance in this country.
Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, said that “millions of people were left without any support to get back into work or stay at work. They have been completely held back and prevented from reaching their full potential for too long. The record-high costs of long-term illness benefits are evidence of this fact.”
She added, “I am happy that Sir Charlie is leading this review. He brings a wealth experience to the table and will help us get people in to work and, most importantly, keep them there, so we can improve living standards and grow our economy.”
