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Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 Tackle workplace sickness to unlock hidden growth, former John Lewis boss says

More than 250 of the UK's biggest employers have signed up to his 'Get Britain Working' taskforce.

* Sir Charlie Mayfield, former John Lewis chair, says tackling unemployment linked to long-term illness can unlock economic growth "hiding in plain sight".
* Over 250 of the UK's biggest employers have signed up to his Get Britain Working taskforce.
* The issue costs the UK £212bn a year and official figures show that many people are dropping out of work due to ill-health without contact from their employer.
* Companies will track sickness absence, return-to-work outcomes, and disability participation to make workplace health performance visible for the first time.
* Sir Charlie believes his plans can help reduce the UK's welfare bill and says everyone can benefit from getting people back into work who are currently not working due to ill-health.
* He suggests that Andy Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister later this month, will support his plans.