The UK is renowned for its dedicated professionals contributing significantly to its country. However, a significant challenge that hinders economic productivity is absenteeism, which is caused by long-term employee sickness. From musculoskeletal pains to mental health issues, employees are increasingly struggling with various health problems.
While many companies invest in sustaining occupational health through programs like health assessments, the high costs often prevent small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from prioritizing employee well-being. In response, the UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to help SMEs afford occupational health (OH) services.
This plan offers an 80% subsidy or funding on the cost of private health assessments, enabling employers to implement preventive healthcare measures for their staff. The aim is to lessen economic inactivity by addressing long-term sickness within the workforce. This is a step forward in fostering a healthier and more productive economy.
This guide is perfect to answer all your queries regarding how you may benefit from this exciting subsidy.
What Does the Subsidy Cover?
This subsidy primarily covers the management and referral of employees returning from sick leave, providing businesses with access to essential evaluations and support. The program assists in assessing workplace risks and offers guidance on managing the transition back to work. While such services have traditionally been a financial burden for smaller businesses, the 80% subsidy now makes them accessible, specifically in the following regions:
- Cumbria
- Morecamb
- Blackburn
- Lancashire
- Preston
This program facilitates early detection and management of health issues, adopting a proactive approach to employee well-being. By addressing potential health concerns early, companies can improve staff health, increase retention rates, and boost productivity by minimizing sickness-related absences.
How Does the Subsidy Benefit Businesses?
An 80% cut is a significant benefit to grab immediately and the following reasons prove it:
- This huge decrease in occupational health expenses allows you to meet the legal regulations that are mandatory.
- Providing for employees’ occupational health services only leads to less absenteeism and increased productivity.
- It is a great initiative to create awareness among the staff and among yourself regarding managing workplace health and preventing long-term illnesses or even accidents.
Who is Eligible for 80% Subsidy?
Consider the following things to check to if you are eligible for the 80% Subsidy:
Employee Count: Enterprises with 250 employees or fewer are eligible.
Annual Turnover:
- Businesses with a yearly turnover of £10.2 million or less (for organizations with 1-49 employees).
- Businesses with a yearly turnover of £36 million or less (for organizations with 50-250 employees).
Startups: Startups in the UK can also benefit from this subsidy, regardless of their size, as long as they meet the above criteria.
How to Avail This Offer?
Availing the 80% subsidy is relatively straightforward, as occupational health assessment companies and the UK government are highly cooperative in enhancing occupational healthcare.
- First, express your interest by reaching out through the official website at workplacehealth.employer@dwp.gov.uk.
- Next, provide details about your specific needs, the nature of your work, potential hazards, and joint health challenges your employees face.
- This will help create a customized occupational health plan tailored to your organization.
- Employer will get a code from DWP that you can provide to the firm you are willing to take the occupational health services from.
- Employer will send the reports of assessments.
- Finally, pay 20% of the invoice.
Significance and Expected Impact
Undoubtedly, the 80% subsidy is a crucial step towards acknowledging the health-related challenges that UK employees face. By making Occupational healthcare services more accessible to startups and other small and medium enterprises, the government aims to help companies reduce absenteeism and fix the issue of the number of employees leaving the workforce due to health issues.
However, the benefits are not limited to individual businesses. Healthy staff can reduce pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) by detecting and treating health issues before they need more intensive medical intervention.
Lastly, the scheme actually aligns with the government’s economic goals. By aiding workplace health, the government aims to boost labour market participation, particularly among those currently economically inactive due to long-term health conditions. It’s a win-win situation for all.
