Home / Business and Economy / Hull Businesses Get Health Support Boost
Hull Businesses Get Health Support Boost
16 Jun
Summary
- New hub offers SMEs occupational health and mental health support.
- Hull's small businesses face an estimated £500m annual cost from sickness.
- The initiative aims to reduce long-term sickness and improve employee well-being.
A significant initiative, the Hull Resilience Hub, has been launched to combat long-term sickness and promote employee well-being within Hull's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This service offers vital access to occupational health, faster GP appointments, physiotherapy, mental health support, and return-to-work guidance.
The economic impact of employee sickness is substantial, with annual UK costs reaching £21.2 billion. In Hull alone, SMEs face an estimated £500 million burden due to sick pay, lost productivity, and staff shortages. This hub addresses the need for accessible and affordable occupational health services.
Mental health and musculoskeletal conditions each contribute to approximately 45% of absence cases. The primary challenge identified is not the lack of available support but the difficulty in accessing it, with NHS delays and high private healthcare costs being major barriers.
Led by The Latus Group and supported by Hull City Council and the Keep Britain Working initiative, the hub is funded by the council for an initial six-month period. Participating employers are expected to contribute financially if the scheme proves successful and continues.
