The government ‘Keep Britain Working’ review shows that one in five working-age adults remain out of the workforce, largely as a result of health problems, driving economic inactivity in the UK and cost £22.9bn in 2023/24. According to the Health and Safety Executive, the 2024/25 British workforce saw 1.9 million workers suffer from work-related ill health - both work-related physical and mental health problems seeing a steady rise since the coronavirus pandemic. Individuals, employers and the national economy all bear the brunt of this, facing loss of income, disruptive levels of staff turnover and weaker economic growth. This burden disproportionately falls upon women – a 2025 UNISON report found 70% of women reported health conditions which impacted their work as a result of pain or stigma/embarrassment. Additionally, a 2025 government report found women are more likely to provide unpaid care and face greater health disadvantages as a result. Alongside managerial support, workplace facilities such as employee health insurance can be a source of support for employees in managing their health burdens, but what more can employees, employers and the government do to encourage a healthy and inclusive workforce?

This event will:

• Discuss what support is needed to maintain a workforce amongst rising work-related health problems.
• Assess the role of employers and insurance companies in providing the necessary tools and support for employees at risk of health issues.
• Consider how to provide tailored support for a diverse workforce who are at a disproportionate risk of health concerns affecting work.