A review has begun to explore how governmental and businesses can work together to support disabled and long-term sick back into employment. The Government's Keep Britain Working Review spearheaded by ex-John Lewis chief Sir Charlie Mayfield, is on a mission to tackle what are being referred to as "spiralling levels of inactivity". In previous comments, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has taken a firm stance, asserting that those receiving long-term sickness benefits should be encouraged to seek work if they are physically able to do so.
In its commitment to facilitate job access, the Government is striving to bring down the numbers of individuals relying on sickness benefits. Scheduled for completion in autumn, the review has set out a preliminary objective for Sir Charlie to complete initial discussions with businesses and health and disability groups nationwide by spring.
This coincides with anticipated major reforms to health and disability benefits. These discussions are designed to pinpoint the breadth, trends, challenges, and potential for employers to hire and maintain positions for people with illnesses or disabilities, as outlined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Recommendations from these findings to the Government are expected to materialise later in the year. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has signalled an urgent need for reform, citing an impending increase in the sickness and disability benefits bill "by £26bn by the end of this Parliament", a statement made prior to unveiling proposed changes to the welfare system before Christmas.
