In a letter, the charity's chairman, Sir Bill Callaghan said: "As you will know BOHRF is a small charity that is dependent on financial contributions from sponsors for its core funding. It also seeks matched funding from a number of organisations for particular research projects.
"At their regular meetings the trustees assess BOHRF's research portfolio and the likely income stream. We have always adopted a prudent policy that ensures that we have financial reserves to fund all existing research projects with a margin to spare.
"It will come as no surprise that in the current economic climate the trustees have concluded that we do not have the level of financial sponsorship to take on any new research projects. This means that in 2012 BOHRF will start to wind down its activities."
BOHRF has agreed to fund eight projects this year, before it's closure. These are pre-employment guideline re: asthmatics for use in screening (PEGASUS); computerised cognitive behavioural therepy for common mental health disorders: RCT of a workplace intervention; evaluation of a pilot fit for work service; systematic review of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of employee assistance programmes; appraisal of the health of new entrants into the workplace the apprentice study; the development of an e-learning programme to support retention and return to work for individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder; smoking cessation in the workplace: an evidence based review; and a review of health risks in the waste and recycling industry
Callaghan added: "The decision of the Trustees does mean we shall not seek any further sponsorship income in 2012 and beyond.
"Given the financial situation and the reduced level of administrative support that BOHRF will have, we shall not be organising a research day this year, but we shall continue to ensure that our past sponsors and others with an interest are kept in touch with the progress of existing research projects.
"On behalf of the Trustees I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors and researchers who have contributed to BOHRF's work over the years, and also Vanessa Mayatt, Brian Kazer and Anna McNeil who have helped to ensure that BOHRF has run smoothly. I would also like to thank all the members of the Research Committee.
"Looking back over the work that BOHRF has funded and facilitated there is much to be proud of. In particular the rigorous evidence based reviews on topics such as back pain and asthma have provided practical guidance, with a sound scientific base, for employers that has been of benefit to employees as well as the bottom line."
