New Government Initiative: Supporting Small Businesses & Boosting Productivity Through Occupational Health Training
Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy,but they often face unique challenges when it comes to employee health and wellbeing. Recognizing this, the government is launching a new initiative designed to equip line managers with the skills to proactively address health issues in the workplace – ultimately reducing costs and improving productivity.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
the High Cost of Employee Ill-Health
Replacing an employee due to illness is a significant financial burden for any business, but notably for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). government data reveals it can cost over £11,000. Furthermore, each day of sickness absence translates to approximately £120 in lost profit.
This new program directly addresses these concerns, aiming to support staff retention and minimize the financial impact of absences on your business.
How This Program Will Help your Business
The core goal is to empower you, as a manager, to create a more supportive and productive work environment. Specifically, the training will focus on:
* Reducing sickness-related staff turnover: By addressing health concerns early, you can retain valuable employees.
* Improving productivity and workforce stability: A healthier, supported workforce is a more productive workforce.
key Training Areas
The training program will concentrate on two crucial areas:
* early Intervention: Learning to identify potential health issues before they escalate into prolonged absences.
* workplace Adjustments: Understanding how to implement appropriate changes to help employees remain in work and thrive.
Program Details: What to Expect
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health will lead the training, delivered through a network of partner organizations across England. A total of £800,000 in funding has been allocated for this three-month program.
This initiative builds upon existing government support for small businesses and aims to strengthen the overall labour market.
Here’s a quick overview:
* Participants: 5,000 line managers from small businesses across England.
* Delivery Period: january to March 2026.
What the Minister Says
Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Employment, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Too frequently enough, small businesses lose skilled staff to health issues without the tools to support them. This free training gives line managers the confidence to have the right conversations and make adjustments that could help keep people in work.”
Looking Ahead: A Broader Commitment
The government is committed to ongoing collaboration with employers to minimize the impact of workplace sickness. This training program is a key component of a larger strategy focused on building a more inclusive labour market.
Expect further measures centered around employee retention, skills development, and long-term workforce participation.
Source: Department for Work and Pensions
prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news association dedicated to providing timely, accurate insights from official global sources. We combine AI-powered research with expert human oversight to deliver trustworthy information.
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