Government Funds occupational Health Training for Small Businesses

thousands of individuals at risk of leaving the workforce will receive increased support to remain employed through new, Government-funded occupational health training for 5,000 line managers in small businesses. This initiative, launching january 2026, aims to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wiht the tools to support employee health, improve recruitment and retention, and ultimately boost productivity.

Addressing the Issue of Workplace Sickness

The free training,funded by the Department for Work and Pensions,is a key component of the Government’s plan for Change. this plan focuses on breaking down barriers to opportunity and fostering economic growth by creating a more accessible labor market. The need for this training is clear: the UK currently has one of the highest rates of long-term sick leave in the G7, with over 2.8 million people signed off work for extended periods.

The Keep Britain Working Review highlighted a meaningful increase in sickness-related workforce absence, revealing that 800,000 more working-age adults are currently out of work due to illness compared to 2019. This situation impacts both individuals and the economy.

The Financial Impact on Small Businesses

ill-health carries a substantial financial burden for SMEs. Replacing an employee lost to ill-health can cost over £11,000, and each day of sickness absence results in approximately £120 in lost productivity. By proactively addressing employee health, businesses can mitigate these costs and maintain a stable workforce.

What the Training Will Cover

The training program will focus on equipping line managers with the skills to:

• Identify early signs of health-related issues in employees.
• Have supportive conversations with employees about their health.
• Understand reasonable adjustments that can be made to support employees with health conditions.
• Effectively signpost employees to appropriate resources and support services.
• Promote a workplace culture that prioritizes health and wellbeing.

Eligibility and Access

The training will be available to line managers working in small and medium-sized businesses across England. It will be rolled out between January and march 2026.Further details on eligibility criteria and how to apply will be announced by the department for Work and Pensions in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Government-funded occupational health training will be available for 5,000 line managers in SMEs across England.
• The training aims to reduce workplace sickness and improve employee retention.
• The initiative is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth.
• Ill-health costs SMEs over £11,000 per employee replacement and £120 per day of sickness absence.

This investment in occupational health training represents a proactive step towards creating a healthier and more productive workforce. By empowering line managers to support their employees’ wellbeing, the Government hopes to reduce long-term sickness, improve economic outcomes, and build a more inclusive labor market.