The north-south divide in health and wellbeing care for workers is narrowing, according to a study from PMI Health Group.
The poll of 582 workers revealed nearly half of workers in the south (47%) claim their employers make provision to look after their health and wellbeing, compared with 36% in the north.
This 11% gap has narrowed year-on-year - down from 4% from 2014 when only 26% of northern workers said their employers were looking after their health and wellbeing.
Mike Blake, director of PMI Health Group said: "This trend is very encouraging, particularly in light of a recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) report that shows a stark contrast in life expectancy on either side of the north-south divide."
"With increasing restrictions in NHS provision, it is in the interests of businesses to minimise the costly impact of sickness absence. Corporate healthcare initiatives can help achieve this, safeguarding employee wellbeing while helping to address health inequalities."
The research also found the increase in health and wellbeing provision for northern workers has been reflected in growing levels of satisfaction.
The study found that half (50%) of workers in the north saisd they are now satisfied with the range of benefits they receive from their employer - up from 31 per cent in 2014.
Workers in the south are also more satisfied with their benefits provision - up to 57% from 42% in 2014.
