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Government-Funded Occupational Health Training for Line Managers

Funding Announcement

• The Government will allocate funding for occupational health training targeted at line managers in small businesses throughout England, available from January to March 2026.
• This initiative aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance employee well-being, thereby aiding in the recruitment and retention of skilled staff and improving overall productivity.
• This move is part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change, which seeks to dismantle barriers to opportunity and stimulate economic growth by fostering a more accessible labour market for all.

Support for Employees at Risk of Job Loss

Thousands of employees at risk of leaving the workforce will now receive additional support to remain employed, owing to new Government-funded occupational health training designed for 5,000 line managers in small businesses.

The free training, financed by the Department for Work and Pensions, comes as part of a larger strategy to address workplace health issues. It will be accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises across England, enabling them to better support their workers while also helping in the early identification of health-related concerns.

This initiative is crucial given that over 2.8 million individuals are currently signed off as long-term sick, one of the highest figures among G7 nations. The "Keep Britain Working Review" highlights that 800,000 more working-age adults are now out of work due to illness compared to 2019, indicating a pressing need for action.

The Financial Impact of Ill-Health on Small Businesses

The economic burden of ill-health on small businesses is significant. Replacing an employee lost due to health issues can cost over £11,000, while every day of sickness absence translates to approximately £120 in lost profit for businesses.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to alleviating this burden through free training led by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This initiative will equip line managers with essential skills to recognize early warning signs indicating that an employee may need assistance. Managers will learn to identify symptoms such as persistent fatigue, behavioral changes, and increasing absences, enabling them to intervene supportively and assist employees in finding suitable paths to remain employed.

A Statement from the Minister for Employment

Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson stated:

"Small businesses frequently lose talented employees due to health problems, often lacking the tools to provide appropriate support, which serves no one’s interests. This free training is a game-changer. It equips line managers with the assurance needed to engage in necessary conversations and implement adaptations that can keep employees at work. When small businesses prioritize the health of their employees, it yields benefits for everyone involved—employees, businesses, and the economy at large."

Current Training Landscape for SMEs

At present, only 21% of SMEs offer training for line managers aimed at enhancing employee health and well-being, compared to a staggering 76% of large companies. Smaller businesses often struggle with tighter budgets and limited human resources to provide these essential programs. However, the observable benefits among those SMEs that do invest in such training are notable; a remarkable 79% report that the training effectively prevents employee ill health.

Support from the Federation of Small Businesses

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, expressed:

"We are delighted to witness the DWP allocating funds for the upskilling of SMEs in addressing occupational health concerns for their staff. Employee welfare remains a critical priority for small firms; however, we recognize that access to relevant training can be daunting during these challenging economic times. This initiative will positively position approximately 5,000 SMEs to bolster the health of their workforce, mitigate sickness absence, and foster employee success in a healthy workplace environment."

Funding Specifics and Training Focus

From January to March 2026, the DWP will fund an initiative worth up to £800,000 for the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing training aimed at line managers in SMEs. This training will:

• Enhance understanding of occupational health services and referral practices.
• Build confidence in assisting employees dealing with physical and mental health issues.
• Promote early interventions and improved support within the framework of the Equality Act 2010.
• Equip managers to have impactful conversations regarding workplace adjustments and reasonable accommodations.

Insights from Course Graduates

David Tomlinson, Health and Safety Business Partner at the University of Lincoln, who completed the course, remarked:

"I found this course to be immensely beneficial. It provided critical insights into what can often be a complex issue for employers. The training has empowered us and significantly improved our approach to occupational health and well-being within our workplace."

Alignment with Government Initiatives

This funding aligns with the Government’s flagship Small Business Plan, which was recently introduced alongside the Business Growth Service. Alongside this new training initiative, there are several other measures sanctioned by the Government to support small businesses, including:

• Raising the threshold for national insurance contributions for new enterprises.
• Offering £150 off energy bills for consumers and freezing rail fares and prescription costs.
• Making apprenticeship training free for small businesses for individuals under 25.
• Implementing robust reforms to tackle late payments, marking the most rigorous changes in 25 years.
• Reducing electricity costs for thousands of manufacturing enterprises.

Additional Information on Managing legal Matters

In navigating the complexities of employee health and workplace adjustments, the use of advanced tools like AI legalese decoder can provide substantial assistance. This innovative tool specializes in translating complicated legal terminologies into straightforward language, ensuring that small businesses understand their rights and responsibilities under relevant laws and regulations. By utilizing such AI-driven resources, line managers and business owners can make informed decisions regarding occupational health policies, equipping them to foster a supportive work environment and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

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