Health Foundation responds to the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper 

Responding to the publication of the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper, Christopher Rocks, lead economist for the Commission for Healthier Working Lives at the Health Foundation, said:

“The White Paper outlines stark inequalities in work and health outcomes across the UK. Addressing this deep inequity in different parts of the country is essential to get people working. Strengthening local health and employment powers to enable communities to offer targeted support is a positive step. However, achieving real integration of employment, health, and local governance remains a challenging goal and must go hand in hand with sustained investment.

“We are pleased that the White Paper recognises the role of employers and the importance of helping people stay connected to work, following our Commission for Healthier Working Lives recommendations. With over 300,000 people a year leaving the workforce and reporting work-limiting health conditions*, enabling more people to remain in good work is critical to addressing the UK’s work and health challenges.

“The employer-led review has the potential to drive a new approach to workplace health. However, the government should also lead by example by reviewing practices in the health and education sectors, where workers have faced significant pressures.

“Stable and rewarding jobs enable us to support our families and contribute to society, which benefits our health. We welcome the government’s White Paper acknowledging that economic growth depends on a healthy workforce and joined-up approach across government.”