A standardised set of Workplace Health Provision (WHP) services should be developed in conjunction with existing providers and insurers, the Keep Britain Working review is recommending.
It urges widespread adoption of non-clinical case management services to support employees and line managers in helping staff stay in work and return to work.
Funded by employers and building initially from existing resources, the WHP will offer support and advice, early intervention, good case management, and targeted early-stage treatment pathways.
Eventually it is envisaged the provision will become certified, be integrated with the NHS app and reduce or even replace the need for the current fit note.
There would be work with providers and practitioners to ensure this provision is affordable and effective, and establish certified standards for a multi-provider marketplace that expands access to high-quality support for all employers, the report added.
“We think the WHP needs to be a flexible, market-led solution, with employers funding the provision and choosing certified providers that meet their needs,” the report said.
“Providers will be assessed against national standards – possibly stewarded by government – giving employers access to a wide range of trusted options. This model ensures both quality and choice, while setting a clear bar for entry.”
Gap in employer support
The report underpinned the need for the WHP by highlighting a gap in the support available to employers and employees in managing health and disability in the workplace.
It noted employers across the UK had attempted to address this gap by providing health and wellbeing offers to their employees such as occupational health or employee assistance programmes.
However, the quality can be varied and coverage is inconsistent, especially for smaller employers.
The WHP would be built from the range of existing provision but looks to amplify, expand and improve the availability of it.
“We have seen a range of examples over the course of the review where employers or local areas are already delivering a version of the sorts of services we envisage the WHP offering and, in some cases, going beyond this,” the report said.
“We know that good, practical solutions exist, they just need to be more prevalent.”
Providers differentiate offerings
It noted that health and protection insurers could have an important role to play in this approach, including expanding on the minimum requirements.
“Delivery should build on existing ecosystems available through social prescribers, NHS work initiatives, occupational health, vocational rehabilitation, income protection, and private insurers, while avoiding duplication,” the report continued.
“We envisage the development of a minimum service specification, which could be added to or enhanced by different providers to differentiate their offering -employers can go further if they choose.
“This should allow space and scope for innovation to improve quality, and to develop this with businesses and the provider landscape based on needs of employers and their workforce.
“Overtime we would expect that this provision would be formalised and certified, and there will be a need for national oversight of training and development, and a professional home for the workforce.“