National funding secured to tackle health-related absence in the workplace 

Research led by the University of Derby to improve how employers support staff with health issues has secured £95,000 in national funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). 

The funding will support the further development and testing of Health Work Toolbox, an online resource designed to help employers reduce leading causes of workplace sickness absence, including stress, anxiety and depression. 

The project forms part of a wider £1.8m NIHR initiative focused on reducing health-related economic inactivity, supporting the workforce and informing policy responses to rising levels of long-term illness and unemployment across the UK. 

Sixteen research projects were selected through a competitive process, covering a range of work and health challenges. Each aims to generate evidence that can shape policy and improve both employment and health outcomes at a national level. 

The University of Derby’s Work-Health Hub will deliver the project in partnership with the University of Lancaster and work-health specialists. The research will refine the digital Health Work Toolbox and provide evidence to support a future large-scale trial, to ensure the resource is effective and accessible for employers across the UK. 

Dr Jenny Lunt, senior lecturer in health psychology and behaviour change at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the project, said: “This funding allows us to build on earlier research into the main causes of sickness absence and refine the Health Work Toolbox. Our aim is to give employers practical, evidence-based tools to support staff experiencing health challenges. 

“By helping line managers provide timely support that encourages staying at work, as well as earlier return to work, we believe avoidable sickness absence can be reduced and long-term health and employment outcomes improved.” 

The funding comes amid growing concern about health-related economic inactivity. The Government’s Keep Britain Working Review found that, compared with 2019, 800,000 more people are unemployed due to health conditions. Long-term sickness now accounts for 30 per cent of total economic inactivity in the UK. 

Health-related unemployment is linked to increased risks of poor mental health, cardiovascular disease and suicide and is estimated to cost the UK economy £85bn each year. 

Since launching in 2023, the NIHR’s Work and Health Research Initiative has committed £10m to research addressing these challenges. 

More information about the University of Derby’s Work-Health Hub and its support for businesses is available online.