The ‘Working for a Healthier Tomorrow' report revealed that ill-health costs the UK £100bn a year in lost productivity and benefits, but Black criticised employers saying that a ‘shift in attitude is needed to ensure employers recognise the role the workplace can play in promoting health and well-being'.
The report concludes that ‘good health makes good business', but commentators have been quick to deflect criticism back to government. BUPA's UK health insurance managing director said that while Black rightly focuses on workplace health "the current tax treatment of workplace health benefits is an obstacle that, if removed, would allow more companies to play their part in keeping Britain healthy." He added: "Nine out of ten employers tell us they want support from the Government to invest in health at work and over half would invest more if there were incentives to do so."
In the report Black accepted there is a ‘lack of a well-developed business case as to why employers should invest in well-being initiatives'.
To involve greater employer cooperation, Black announced the signing of a wellness consensus statement supported by 30 bodies including the British Medical Association.
