Keep Britain Working review launch
Published 5 November 2025
Commenting on the launch of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, which will drive action to prevent ill-health, support people to stay in work, and help employers build healthier, more resilient workplaces, Simplyhealth CEO, Paul Schreier, said: “The recommendations of the Keep Britain Working review are both welcome and needed. Long-term sickness and absence from work have a profound impact on individuals, businesses and the wider economy, costing the UK an estimated £150 billion each year.
“Reversing this trend requires a collective effort across government, healthcare and business, with employers having a critical role to play in early intervention and prevention as part of wider efforts to promote health and wellbeing at work. Of the recommendations, we particularly welcome the call to expand workplace health provision and to broaden its definition to include a wider range of schemes. This recognition is important given the variation in what employers currently offer, especially among smaller businesses, which often struggle to match the healthcare benefits of larger organisations.
“The proposal to explore risk pooled funding models for SMEs has the potential to transform access to workplace healthcare, allowing smaller employers to work together to procure provision and significantly expanding access to in-work health support. We also welcome the recognition that disincentives, such as tax which has increased significantly in the last ten years, create a challenging barrier for employers and employees alike. The review’s commitment to use employer insight, via the Vanguard's approach, will enable fair and targeted incentivisation in the future, removing complications and increasing investment in health.
“The review echoes our recent Health and wellbeing at work report, with the CIPD, which found on average UK employees were absent for nearly two weeks last year; with mental ill health and musculoskeletal pain as the leading causes of long-term absence.
“We are pleased to have expressed an interest to support the next phase of this important work, as a Vanguard, contributing to efforts in demonstrating how employers and healthcare providers can improve access to workplace health provision, reduce absences and boost workplace productivity. The challenge is significant, but together can we address the long-term sickness epidemic, helping more people to stay in or return to work and building a healthier, more productive Britain.”
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