Former John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield is leading a government-commissioned review that recommends mandatory health checks for employees starting new jobs.
The proposal aims to address Britain’s growing sickness crisis and the rising number of workers leaving employment due to ill health.
The initiative reflects a shift toward preventive labor market policies, targeting the root causes of absenteeism rather than managing its aftermath.
By integrating health screenings into the onboarding process, the review suggests employers can identify and support health issues early, potentially reducing long-term sick leave and turnover costs.
This development comes as UK policymakers grapple with persistent labor supply constraints.
The recommendation aligns with broader efforts to improve workforce resilience, though it raises questions about implementation costs and data privacy for both employers and employees.