More than half of businesses are concerned about long NHS waiting lists and the impact these are having on staff sickness rates, a study has found.

The Future Health report, sponsored by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network, finds that 52% of businesses are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ concerned that current NHS waiting times could lead to employees taking time off work for long periods or to leave work permanently due to illness. .

This echoes a recent report from healthcare provider HCMLwhich revealed that almost 60% of employees say they struggle to access NHS services.

It is estimated that there are currently some 3.7 million people of working age employed with a health condition limiting their work and 2.7 million people unemployed and economically inactive. NHS waiting lists remain at record levels.

The Future Health survey of more than 1,000 businesses found that more than a quarter (28%) had reported an increase in sickness absence in the last 12 months. In comparison, only 10% saw a decrease.

Also a quarter (24%) said they planned to offer or introduce more private health insurance in the next 12 months. More than a fifth (22%) said they plan to offer or introduce more employee assistance programs.

The report also urges the government to follow up the consultation of the previous government and introduce tax incentives to encourage employers to invest in workplace health and employee health benefit programs, including health checks, vaccinations and access to occupational health equipment.

He called for an expansion of the occupational health workforce through the planned refresh of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan in 2025.

THE Reforms to the NHS Ten Year Plan There is a need to focus on staff health and, in particular, better identification and management of patients with illnesses that lead to increased staff absences, such as back pain and arthritis, adds -he.

The report also recommends improving the advice, information and support available to small and medium-sized businesses to help them identify and select health and employee health plans.

Finally, a framework of minimum standards for occupational health services in all workplaces should be introduced, the report says.

Richard Sloggett, program director at Future Health, said: “These findings show that the nation’s poor health and long waits for NHS treatment are a drag on economic growth.

“Businesses are experiencing increasing levels of illness among their staff and are concerned about long waits for NHS treatment. The decision to increase employers’ national insurance risks leading to reduced investment in workplace and employee health schemes.

“The government must now respond with a clear offer to businesses that encourages investment related to employee health, supports small and medium-sized businesses to expand their staff health offerings, as well as a necessary expansion of the occupational health workforce . Growth will continue to be anemic unless the UK workforce is healthier,” he added.