The People and Work breakout session at the British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference 2025 brought together voices from business, policy and Parliament to confront one of the UK’s most pressing economic challenges: how to get people into work and help them stay there.
Chaired by Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, the panel highlighted the growing urgency around economic inactivity. With low levels of unemployment, hard to fill vacancies, and many of those out of work facing health-related barriers, the impact was being felt by individuals, businesses and the economy. The panel, including Stephen Evans, CEO of the Learning and Work Institute, and Lauren Edwards MP, called for a focus on boosting high-quality jobs that support employee wellbeing.
The discussion highlighted the important role employers play in supporting workforce health and wellbeing, while noting the considerable barriers they can face. Lisa Massey of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland raised that SMEs often lack HR resources and pointed to the fragmented nature of support systems.
There was a focus on the need for good careers services, upskilling and re-training. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at BCC emphasised the importance of skills planning to support businesses’ long-term recruitment and retention plans and how Chamber-led local Skills Improvement Plans were helping areas meet their medium to long-term skills needs.
This conversation sets the stage for BCC’s upcoming work on workplace health and economic inactivity. Over 9 million people are economically inactive in the UK, many due to long-term illness. This is a significant drag on growth and productivity. However, BCC research shows that only around 40% of firms offer occupational health services, and SMEs are disproportionately affected by the cost and complexity of offering health benefits to employees.
To address this, the government should consider a range of measures including:
- Financial incentives to de-risk hiring people with long-term health conditions, including wage subsidies and a review of Insurance Premium Tax on workplace health provision.
- Improved access to existing services, such as GP appointments and mental health support, to prevent unnecessary long-term sickness absence.
- Better guidance for employers, including access to best practice resources for SMEs.
As the Keep Britain Working Review led by Sir Charlie Mayfield prepares to publish its final report, BCC will continue to push for policies that empower employers to support workforce health. To get growth in the UK, we must get Britain working. The future of work starts with employers.