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Government response to Keep Britain Working Review

05 November 2025

Proposing MP
Wolverhampton South East
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Work and Pensions

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the Keep Britain Working Review's findings on economic inactivity due to ill-health and proposes a shift towards a shared responsibility model between employers, employees, and health services.

Action Requested

The government is launching a Vanguard phase with Sir Charlie Mayfield co-chairing a taskforce alongside secretaries of state to test workplace approaches and set up a Workplace Health Intelligence Unit. Further reforms to the fit note system and Access to Work scheme are also planned.

Key Facts

  • Ill-health drives economic inactivity, with 800,000 more people out of work now than in 2019 due to health problems.
  • A further 600,000 people set to leave the workforce by 2030 if current trends continue.
  • Sir Charlie Mayfield will co-chair a Vanguard taskforce with secretaries of state.
  • The Workplace Health Intelligence Unit will provide data and insight for businesses and government.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy