# Preventing ill health ‘economic imperative’ – report

By Ruth Wilkinson — 2025-12-09

Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, said: “The number of people unable to work due to ongoing health conditions shows we need to create the right occupational health and safety frameworks that focus on prevention, support good work and job design, and create supportive environments that accommodate people’s needs.

“As part of this, we need stronger, more accessible occupational health services that can drive prevention strategies, promote good health and help people stay in work, as well as support return to work and rehabilitation when people do become ill.

“This can help to cut sickness rates, ease NHS and benefit pressures, and boost economic growth.

“We’re calling on the government to invest in this area.

“And we don’t just want this to be something which benefits those employed in large organisations; this needs to cover smaller employers to ensure that people are able to remain healthy and safe and remain in work for the benefit of both themselves and the economy.

“We believe occupational health and occupational safety and health are most effective when they work hand-in-hand to prevent injury and ill health and create safe, healthy and supportive working environments.

“The former offers the expertise to promote and support health, wellbeing, and recovery while the latter provides the framework for identifying hazards and managing risks.”

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