MPs to question Mayfield on workplace ill-health and disability support recommendations
Former John Lewis Chairman and author of the Keep Britain Working report on disability and ill-health in the workplace, Sir Charlie Mayfield, will answer questions from the Work and Pensions Committee about his proposals for tackling disability and ill-health-related economic inactivity.
Meeting details
The report called for employers to do more to prevent people from leaving the workforce through illness but also identified a culture of fear and a lack of support for both employers and employees in dealing with ill-health and disability at work. To combat this, it called for the development of a Healthy Working Lifecycle and better Workplace Health Provision, which would, among other things, help design plans for workers in need of adjustments and advice on services like Access to Work. The proposals are currently being developed and trialed by a number of Vanguard employers.
MPs will hear from small business representatives, mental health champions Mind, and disability equality advocates Scope about how best to overcome the challenges facing businesses and people in ill-health or who are disabled.
2.8 million people are currently economically inactive through illness or disability, but many face barriers through a lack of suitable work – such as part-time work – and inaccessible workplaces. Meanwhile, small businesses face their own challenges with rising energy costs and business rates.