Description |
The government is to launch a free occupational health adviceline for small
business later this year.
The initiative is a direct response to Dame Carol Black¹s Review on the
health of Britain¹s working age population, which highlights the
disproportionate impact that ill-health has upon smaller firms.
The economic cost of workers¹ ill health nationally is over £100 billion a
year.
While small businesses make up a significant part of the UK economy, the
vast majority of them do not currently access occupational health support.
The adviceline will be piloted in nine locations across Great Britain.
Employers will be able to access expert advice from occupational health
professionals on problems in the workplace such as asthma, back pain and
mental health issues.
Advice on absence reduction strategies and ill health prevention will be
provided to help employers retain staff and assist staff back to the
workplace following a period of sickness absence.
The adviceline pilots will also work collaboratively with business
partnerships in each region to offer further specialised and locally
relevant occupational health services to the small business community.
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