The UK government has made it clear that occupational health is no longer optional, it’s strategic.
With economic pressure, rising sickness absence and long-term health conditions affecting millions, employers are increasingly being encouraged to take proactive steps to support employee wellbeing and keep people in work.
At Fleet Street Clinic, we’ve reviewed the key direction set out in the government’s Occupational Health strategy to help you understand what this means for your organisation in 2026 and beyond.
Sickness absence remains a significant challenge. According to the ONS, 149 million working days were lost in 2023/24 due to sickness, with the most common causes being:
– Stress, depression and anxiety
– Musculoskeletal conditions
– Minor illnesses
The government’s direction recognises that early intervention through Occupational Health can significantly reduce long-term absence, support those with chronic conditions and help more people remain in work safely and sustainably.
There is a clear expectation that businesses, especially SMEs, move towards making Occupational Health a normal part of working life, rather than something introduced only during a crisis.
This includes:
– Encouraging earlier intervention
– Support for developing in-house health and wellbeing practices
– Improving access to accredited OH services
– Guidance on legal compliance under the Equality Act
For businesses without an Occupational Health provider, now is the time to consider partnering with a reliable, SEQOHS accredited service such as Fleet Street Clinic.
The strategy focuses on supporting people with conditions such as:
– Chronic pain
– Diabetes
– Mental health conditions
– Autoimmune disorders
– Post-surgery recovery
– Long Covid
The aim is simple… help people stay in work, return sooner and receive tailored support. This aligns directly with what OH already does best, advising on adjustments, phased returns and long-term condition management.
GPs are increasingly encouraged to work with OH rather than work in isolation meaning employers receiving more accurate information and more confident return-to-work plans for employees.
So, what does this all mean for your organisation?
The government expects employers to lean into occupational health not just for compliance, but for long-term sustainability.
Here’s what you can do now:
– Review your sickness absence data
– Ensure your referral process is clear
– Establish a partnership with an accredited OH provider
– Support managers with training and awareness
– Promote early referrals for employees struggling with health issues
As a SEQOHS-accredited provider, Fleet Street Clinic offers:
– Management referrals
– Return-to-work guidance
– Mental health support
– Health surveillance
– Pre-employment screening
– Ergonomic assessments
– Strategic OH advice for HR & leadership teams
We help businesses reduce sickness absence, meet legal obligations, and build healthier, more resilient workforces.
Get in touch with our Occupational Health team today to discuss how we can support your organisation in 2026 and beyond.
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/occupational-health-working-better
https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/labourproductivity/articles/sicknessabsenceinthelabourmarket/2023and2024
