NHS cuts changing attitude to health benefits

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Two fifths of employees feel health and welfare benefits have increased in importance as a consequence of NHS cuts, a recent study has revealed.

Yet 53% say their employer is making no provision to look after staff wellbeing.
The research, from advisers PMI Health Group, also said three-quarters of those surveyed are not encouraged by their employer to participate in voluntary health and wellbeing activities.

Mike Blake, director at PMI Health Group, said: "Increasing restrictions on treatments and longer waiting lists in state healthcare will eventually see businesses suffering at the hands of NHS budget cuts."

The research found workers in the south receive better health and wellbeing care from employers, with 41% offered health benefits in contrast to just 26% in the north.

PMI Health Group said this was probably explained by a higher concentration of large corporate employers in Greater London which may have more resources for wellbeing programmes.

Blake added: "Health initiatives needn't be expensive - hybrid health policies, simple wellbeing programmes and low-cost, high value schemes such as cash plans can offer affordable tools to help improve employee health and reduce sickness absence."

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