Plans for Britain’s first Workplace Health System have been set out as the government looks to improve support for people managing health conditions while working.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, co-chair of the Keep Britain Working programme, published a new update on September 23 outlining work with employers, healthcare providers and people with lived experience.

The programme says around 300,000 people with a health condition leave work every year, highlighting the potential impact of earlier and better workplace health support.

The government says the new system is intended to bring together employers, healthcare services and other organisations to provide more coordinated support for workers experiencing health-related barriers to employment.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to address the relationship between health, employment and economic participation across Britain.

The latest update also signals continued development of the system, with further work expected involving employers, providers and people with direct experience of health-related employment challenges.