Free Health for Work Adviceline for small businesses in West London

Small businesses in West London now have free access to occupational health services following the launch of a new adviceline.

More than £100 billion is lost from the economy because of working-age ill health and associated sickness absence, of which £30-40 billion is estimated to be attributed to mental ill health.

A recent Government report identified a need to provide employers, particularly those in small firms, with easy access to advice on workplace health issues.

To address this, the Department of Work and Pensions is piloting a ‘Health for Work Adviceline’ for small business in seven locations in England. There are also national pilots operating in Scotland and Wales.

“A healthy workforce is key to a successful, healthy business and this free adviceline is good news for small firms,” Sayeed Khan, Chief Medical Advisor for EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said. “Employers can now receive expert advice that is tailored to their needs, helping them to retain an employee’s services or assist them back to work sooner after a period of sickness absence.”

The adviceline, delivered by NHS Plus, will run until 31 March 2011.

Employers can call the adviceline on 0800 0 77 88 44 or find out more at www.health4work.nhs.uk