Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

(ii) Workplaces
7.15 The nature of workplaces impacts on the health of the people who work in them. Over the last thirty
years, progress has been made in relation to safety at work but less attention has been paid to health. 123
Following the Health Bill, most workplaces ought, in the future, to be smoke-free environments. 124
However they ought, in addition, to be actively health promoting; this theme was highlighted in
Choosing Health.
7.16 Within this context, steps could be taken by employers to promote health. Typically, larger corporations
and some public sector bodies are able to provide some access to occupational health support, but
for smaller companies – which are prevalent in the East of England – the challenges are significant.
Nevertheless – as Choosing Health itself observes – there are no-cost/low-cost actions that can be
taken and which ought to confer benefits on employee and employer alike. For example – although
knowledge of the scheme is limited – Inland Revenue rules allow employers to help staff increase
physical activity by cycling to work, including through tax-efficient bike purchase from salary. Steps
are also being taken to develop a new healthy business assessment; the intention is that this should
be incorporated in the Investors in People (IiP) Standard when it is next reviewed in 2007. 125 Within
the East of England, there may be opportunities to work with small and micro-businesses such that
more workplaces can be actively health promoting.
Supporting people with health problems returning to work
– extract from an account from a customer on the Essex
Pathways to Work Pilot
‘I have moderate depression and severe anxiety, and although keen on the idea of working, I
was very anxious just thinking about work. I was also worried about the financial implications.
Over several interviews my Jobcentre Adviser allayed all my fears, explaining that I did not have to
work immediately. She helped me to look for part time work and also introduced me to a Job Broker.
When my Counsellor moved from the area I felt very isolated. My Adviser suggested that the
Condition Management Programme would help me cope better with my depression and anxiety.
I found the Programme really helpful. When I was offered part-time jobs, a Work Benefit Calculation
showed I would not be worse off – my Adviser also told me about all the other things available to me.
I was very nervous about starting work. But with In Work Support and continued counselling through
the Programme, I am now excited at the prospect. Without the help of Pathways to Work and my
adviser, I would not have considered applying for jobs. Now I’m waiting for a start date for one
of the jobs and the other one is willing to wait and let me start at the same time’.
Case study provided by Jobcentre Plus.
123 A Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety in Great Britain to 2010 and Beyond HSC, 2004.
124 The Health Bill – which was announced in parliament on 27th October 2005 – delivers the pledge in the Choosing Health White Paper to ban
smoking in all enclosed public places apart from licensed premises that do not serve or prepare food and private members’ clubs.
125 Choosing Health, DH (Crown copyright) 2004 – pages 165 and 166.
A Regional Health Strategy for the East of England 91