The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to to the latest announcements from the Government on the Employment Rights Bill. Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, commented:

“The Government’s commitment to provide those who want to work with more tailored assistance to do so is welcome.

“But as welfare budgets come under increased pressure, Minister’s must resist the temptation to think about these changes in terms of carrots and sticks to push people into employment, and instead focus squarely on de-risking returning to work for those who can, while protecting the living standards, wellbeing and dignity of those who can’t.

“To build trust with disabled people and those with a long-term health conditions, Government must work to provide more sustainable and secure job opportunities. This should include increased access to flexible working to help manage health conditions – a recent Department for Work and Pensions study showed that a quarter (25%) of those who are out of work and claiming health and disability benefits might be able to work, if they could do this from home.

“But the reality is prevention is better than cure, and it’s critical the Government works proactively with employers to stem the flow of people leaving the labour market in the first place. Work Foundation evidence suggests early intervention is key to support the one in ten employees who drop out of work within four years of experiencing a health issue. To help these workers remain in or return to employment, Government should work with employers to increase access to occupational health services, rights to flexible working – and strengthen sick pay.”