Health, work and well-being � Caring for our future: A strategy for the health and well-being of working age people
[October 2005 - British Government (PDF)] Work matters � it can help to improve your health, reduce health inequalities and offer improved opportunities. Due to changing demographics, having more people in work is increasingly important for communities and our economy. The health and well-being of people of working age is therefore of fundamental importance to our future and we are committed to bringing about a real and sustained improvement in this area. It has been estimated that absence due to sickness costs around �12 billion each year � with costs to the public sector representing around �4 billion. In addition to the impact on the health and well-being of individuals and their families, unplanned absence puts additional pressure on those colleagues who pick up the extra work. It also has a significant impact on productivity across the economy. While much good work, both inside and outside Government, is already going on to improve the health and well-being of working age people, we need a strategy that will bring together all the elements. If we co-ordinate our approach and identify gaps where we need to carry out further work, then we will achieve much more to help that improvement in health and well-being. Health, work and well-being � Caring for our future demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference to the health and well-being of working age people. It also forms a key component of the welfare reform, public sector reform and public health agendas. ...