Simplyhealth launches new report on the role of business in improving access to healthcare with cross-party MPs in the House of Commons

Leading low-cost health plan provider Simplyhealth has partnered with the Purpose Coalition to launch its new report in the House of Commons - ‘Improving access to healthcare via the workplace: recommendations for how to make it easier for businesses to reverse the workforce sickness epidemic and reduce economic inactivity’.

Simplyhealth supports businesses, their employees and individuals to meet their everyday healthcare needs and reverse the workforce sickness epidemic that is blighting British business. Through its health plans and dental payment plans, serving almost 2.5 million customers, Simplyhealth helps people to navigate and fund their healthcare, whilst protecting and sustaining the NHS.   

With one in three people set to develop a long-term health condition throughout their lives and 2.8 million people currently economically inactive due to long term sickness, the need for action is urgent.  The report on reversing the workforce sickness epidemic sets out the measures to make healthcare more accessible via the workplace and thus avoiding lengthy waiting lists.

The report was launched and produced in partnership with The Purpose Coalition – Britain's biggest campaign to break down the barriers to opportunity. The Coalition is made up of 800 organisations employing 8 million people – including Simplyhealth. Organisations that are part of the Coalition are committed to do more, share best practice, and develop new solutions for improving the role they can play for their customers, colleagues and local communities.

The reception in Parliament brought together leading Simplyhealth and external stakeholders, alongside cross-party MPs for a reception in the heart of the House of Commons to mark the launch of the report.

Simplyhealth CEO, Paul Schreier said:

“70% of British businesses feel a greater responsibility to look after the health of their employees due to the NHS crisis. The Government can harness the potential role businesses can play by reducing excessive tax burdens through reviewing both current rates of IPT and extending Benefit-in-Kind exemptions, taking a more holistic view of Occupational Health that mirrors the efforts businesses up and down the country are already making and recognising the role both businesses and low-cost health plans play in reversing the workforce sickness epidemic.

“We are at a crossroads moment for the health of our nation and economic prosperity. Employer-provided health cover doesn’t have to be expensive or only for the few. Sickness amongst the workforce is preventable with in-work provision such as health plans. We are pleased to work with The Purpose Coalition to launch our new report on how we can harness the role of business to improve access to healthcare and reduce economic inactivity.

“This report both sets out the challenges to this crisis and offers positive policy solutions for the future – to improve access to healthcare via the workplace and reduce health and social inequalities across the country.”

Rt Hon Anne Milton, former Minister of State for Health and Skills and now Purpose Coalition Engagement Director said:

“As a Minister at the Department for Health, I saw the challenge of the workforce sickness epidemic, and the impact that has on the wider economy. It is vital that employers play their part in supporting their colleagues, so that they can deliver for their customers and local communities.

I look forward to continuing to work with Simplyhealth to put the policy ideas set out in this report into action.”

Nick Forbes CBE, former Member of Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet and now Purpose Coalition Engagement Director said:

“The newly elected Labour government is Mission-driven – and two of its key Missions are to get the NHS back on its feet, and to get growth going again in Britain’s economy. Reversing the workforce sickness epidemic will be vital in achieving both of these.

“Responsible and purpose-led employers – like those we work with at the Purpose Coalition – will have a key role to play in delivering and supporting a preventative approach to healthcare. This report sets out hope for the future, and a clear plan to support access to healthcare via the workplace to support people, businesses and the new government’s ambitions for our country.”

Simplyhealth has a simple mission – to make healthcare accessible to all through its Health Plan, which offers low-cost, on-demand access to everyday healthcare services to combat the health conditions that impact British business. These include mental health and muscle and joint health (Musculoskeletal), the leading causes of long-term sickness that have long NHS waiting lists for treatment.

Simplyhealth doesn’t have shareholders, with profits reinvested back into healthcare, for the good of the wider healthcare system, customers and local communities. The company works with nearly 8,000 businesses, an additional 4,200 dental practices, with 2.5 million members benefitting from health plans and dental payment plans.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• A full copy of Simplyhealth’s Report - ‘Improving access to healthcare via the workplace: recommendations for how to make it easier for businesses to reverse  the workforce sickness epidemic and reduce economic inactivity’ can be found here

• The market-leading dental payment plan provider, Denplan, is also part of the Simplyhealth family. More information on Denplan can be found at www.denplan.co.uk.

About Simplyhealth:

Simplyhealth is a leading healthcare company, committed to helping everybody access affordable everyday healthcare services. Our new generation of low-cost health plans and dental plans, including the market leading Denplan, look after over two million customers by helping them find, treat and fund their healthcare. We work with thousands of businesses and partners, connecting people to the best-in-class healthcare providers. We aim to support and protect the NHS through the provision of easily accessible healthcare to help people live their best lives.

We don’t have shareholders and since 1872 we’ve been led by our purpose of improving access to healthcare, for all in the UK. We are changing the game, investing millions into new businesses to accelerate the development of predictive and preventative healthcare services. 

We understand our health depends on the health of our communities and our planet. Each year we commit to giving a minimum of £1million to a range of health-related charities and community causes. In 2022 we became the first Health Insurer to be awarded B Corp status, in recognition of our high environmental and social ambitions and continued positive impacts in using our business as a force for good.

To find out more, visit www.denplan.co.uk and www.simplyhealth.co.uk