A new initiative has been launched to encourage businesses to invest in the health of their workforces, with the aim of identifying health issues in employees early through blood and body mass index tests.
A pilot health screening pilot programme is being carried out under the oversight of an inaugural “healthier community” programme board in Cumbria.
The programme, which has appointed former Labour Party MP Hazel Blears as chair, is designed to help prevent more serious illnesses from occurring and reduce the strain on the NHS, according to a report in the Times.
FTSE 100-listed BAE Systems PLC originally teamed up with a local startup, Circular 1 Health, to offer mobile laboratories around the country for Covid testing with companies in the nuclear and defence sectors, including Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.), Serco Group, Sellafield nuclear plant and EDF Energy.
The community board aims to “level up” the region’s health, with part of its services including “social prescribing”, where workers are encouraged to access local sports and arts to boost their physical and mental health.
Marc Howell, chief executive of Goodbody Health Ltd (AQSE:GDBY, OTCQB:GDBYF), which recently launched a series of health tests for the public, hailed the project.
"Investment in the health of the workforce not only contributes to higher productivity and a happier workplace it can help reduce the costs associated with levels of absenteeism," Howells said.
"Creating benefits retains your key staff members and attracts new talent, whilst aid in reducing your overall costs, it is seen as the right strategy for companies reliant on their workforce."
Goodbody recently launched genetic tests to help people understand their risk of cancer and heart disease, in conjunction with Everything Genetic, the testing services specialist, following the launch earlier this year of its health 'MOT' to test for diabetes and cholesterol risk.
Later this year, a workforce health index is also being launched by the CBI to measure an employer’s “health offer” across the economy, the Times also reported, providing data to help “business-led health interventions make the UK workforce more resilient”.