Tackle workplace sickness to unlock hidden growth, former John Lewis boss says

Tackle workplace sickness to unlock hidden – Former head of John Lewis, Sir Charlie Mayfield, has urged the UK government to address the issue of long-term illness as a key driver of economic stagnation. He argues that fixing this problem could unleash significant growth, describing it as “hiding in plain sight.” Mayfield’s call to action has gained traction after over 250 major employers, including British Airways, Tesco, Royal Mail, and several government departments, pledged support to his Get Britain Working taskforce.

The Get Britain Working Taskforce

The taskforce, which Mayfield co-founded, focuses on reducing the number of employees who are unable to return to work due to persistent health issues. Its primary goal is to create a system where employers and workers collaborate more effectively, ensuring that individuals who are sick are not left in the dark. According to official data, the economic burden of long-term sickness-related unemployment in the UK is estimated at £212bn annually, a figure that underscores the urgency of the issue.

Participating companies will implement measures to track sickness absence, monitor return-to-work outcomes, and assess disability participation rates. This initiative, as highlighted by the government, marks a first step toward making workplace health performance more transparent. Businesses such as Sainsbury’s, EDF Energy, and Currys have joined the effort, along with 10 major mayoral authorities, including London and Manchester. Mayfield believes this collective action could reshape how the UK approaches employee health and productivity.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the taskforce’s promising framework, some employers have expressed reservations. They warn that rising tax rates may limit their ability to invest in initiatives aimed at improving workplace health. Others argue that forcing individuals with chronic illnesses back into work could lead to burnout, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.

Mayfield acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes that the current system often fails to connect employees with their employers during critical periods. He recounted meeting workers who were signed off for months without any communication from their employers, a situation he attributes to a lack of coordination rather than negligence. “It’s not because the employer is a bad person,” he said. “It’s because we’ve got a system where people don’t talk to each other when they really need to.”

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who said: ‘I was signed off work for three months, or six months, and I never had any contact with my employer at all.’ That’s not because the employer is a bad person. It’s because we’ve got a situation at the minute where people don’t talk to each other when they really need to.”

Mayfield’s comments come at a time when pressure is mounting on Andy Burnham, the anticipated next prime minister, to streamline the welfare system and free up funds for other priorities. The government forecasts that total welfare spending in Great Britain will reach 23.6% of overall public expenditure in the 2025-2026 financial year. Mayfield suggests that his taskforce’s strategies could help reduce this figure, offering a path to shared economic benefits.

“Fixing these problems at the fundamental level could make a really big contribution to getting this economy working better — for employers, for employees, for the taxpayer, for all of us,” he stated. “This is not a zero-sum game. It’s not a question of employers win and employees lose and vice versa. Everybody can win.” His vision highlights the potential for a win-win scenario, where employees regain their roles, employers boost productivity, and the public sees reduced financial strain.

Signs of Economic Strain

The UK is reportedly on the brink of an economic crisis, with the £85bn sickness bill cited by Mayfield as a critical factor. He warned that without intervention, the nation risks further decline. The taskforce’s focus on reducing this burden aligns with broader efforts to stimulate growth. According to Mayfield, the solution is straightforward: helping individuals who are currently absent due to health issues reintegrate into the workforce.

“You wouldn’t have had to build a single house, open a new channel of immigration, or wait for a cohort of young people to join the workplace,” he explained. “This is basically growth hiding in plain sight.” By addressing the root causes of long-term absence, Mayfield believes the UK can tap into an untapped resource — a workforce that is currently sidelined due to preventable health issues.

Mayfield’s confidence in Burnham’s support stems from the latter’s public commitment to fostering good growth. He noted that Burnham has already spoken about the importance of economic expansion, which the taskforce’s approach directly supports. “I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t because of what Andy has said about good growth,” Mayfield said. “If this isn’t good growth, I’m not sure what is, quite frankly.”

The initiative reflects a growing consensus that workplace health should be a priority. By prioritizing communication and support, companies can reduce the financial impact of long-term sickness. This could lead to a more resilient economy, where individuals with health challenges are not only retained but also empowered to contribute. Mayfield’s argument is that by investing in health care and workplace integration, the UK can unlock a substantial portion of its economic potential.

As the taskforce moves forward, its success will depend on consistent implementation and measurement. The government’s backing of the project signals a shift toward data-driven policies. By tracking sickness absence and return-to-work outcomes, employers can identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly. This proactive approach may not only reduce costs but also foster a culture of mutual responsibility between workers and employers.

Mayfield’s message is clear: the economic benefits of addressing long-term sickness are significant and achievable. His call to action challenges policymakers and businesses to rethink current practices. With the right measures in place, the UK could transform its approach to workplace health, ensuring that no one is left behind. The taskforce represents a critical first step in this journey, offering a blueprint for sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders.

As the UK navigates its economic landscape, the Get Britain Working taskforce serves as a reminder that solutions often lie within existing systems. By fostering collaboration and transparency, it aims to unlock hidden opportunities. Mayfield’s insights underscore the importance of this shift, positioning long-term sickness as a barrier to progress rather than an inevitable cost. With continued support, the initiative could redefine how the UK measures and nurtures its workforce.