Tony Woods, Bupa sales director, says this is a false economy. “All employers are facing challenges, and employees are going to be crucial for recovery,” he says. “Business needs a fit and healthy workforce at all levels. We have an ageing, not-too-healthy population. Employers have a role to play in the health of the nation.”
Woods adds that pensions auto-enrolment may play a part in more employers offering universal health benefits. “Auto-enrolment feels like a compliance issue, but may lead to employers rethinking their benefits structure,” he says. He suggests employers consider offering to substitute some of the money put into a pensions scheme with additional health benefits, for all areas of the workforce.
