CBI responds to White Paper on employment support reforms
26 November 2024
Matthew Percival, Work and Skills Director, CBI, said:
“Supporting people to get back into work and reduce long-term sickness absence is key to both growth and fostering opportunity for individuals. The government deserves credit for seeking to grip this critical challenge through the proposals set out in the White Paper.
“Employers have a key role to play in supporting the delivery of the government’s objectives. There’s no doubt that rising taxes and employment costs will make it more difficult for them to do so. That’s why it’s so important business and government work together to join the dots across the policy landscape in order for policy intent to translate into long-term impact.
“The government can make it easier for businesses to invest in employee health by taking a pragmatic approach to the Employment Rights Bill and expanding tax-free occupational health support. CBI analysis shows 49% of businesses would reinvest tax savings into further employee health support, with an additional 26% investing more. This could boost the economy by £8.57bn by 2030 and prevent 34,000 people annually from leaving the workforce due to ill health. Businesses are ready to partner with the government to create a healthier, more productive workforce.”