Counting the cost of work-related illness

By Rob Kelly

17 Jun 2025

David Dunwell and Jen Briggs

It is a growing national problem and it is affecting businesses across Lancashire.

Work-related illnesses are costing the UK economy more than £415m a week, according to a recent report by the TUC.

Its analysis of official statistics revealed that the number of days lost due to health conditions – including stress, depression and anxiety – has shot up by a third since 2010.

And in 2022-23 – the latest year for which figures are available – work-related ill-health is estimated to have reduced the nation’s economic output by £21.6bn.

Other equally stark reports highlight that the cost of poor mental health to UK employers now stands at £51bn annually.

Presenteeism, where employees work while unwell and perform below their full potential, costs businesses £24bn per year.

Businesses that support the health and wellbeing of their workforce are seeing the benefit.

Figures from professional service business Deloitte show that every pound in invested in wellbeing returns around £7.40 in increased productivity.

YOLO Wellbeing is a Preston-based company specialising in enhancing workplace health and employee engagement through a combination of
hands-on therapies and digital wellness solutions.

Founder Cheryle Britton says: “Health and wellbeing isn’t just a nice idea – it’s good business.

“A workplace that looks after its people is stronger, more resilient and more successful. It all starts with leadership showing that wellbeing
isn’t just a box to tick - it’s how you do things.”

Cheryle highlights ‘WorkWell’, a national support service designed to help disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay or succeed in work. It was rolled out across Lancashire at the start of the year.

Created as part of the government’s plan to help people with health conditions back to work, the service provides tailored help and assessment for people aged 16 and above at risk of falling out of work or for those who have had to stop working because of a health condition.

Cheryle describes it as “a step in the right direction” and adds: “It’s clear that the region requires ongoing investment in wellbeing to
ensure that businesses can thrive, employees stay healthy, and the wider community can grow stronger and more resilient.”

Cheryle says that burnout is affecting people: “Burnout is your body’s way of saying loud and clear: ‘I’ve had enough – I can’t keep going like this.’

“If we’re serious about building workplaces where people don’t burn out, health and wellbeing can’t be an afterthought – it needs to be right at the heart of your culture.

“And it starts from the top. Leaders set the tone and, truth is, stress often hits hardest at the top.”

“You’ve got to spot the warning signs – in yourself and others – and act early. Be honest, know what to look for, and have the right support in place before things snowball.

“We believe in promoting good health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention not cure. Poor health is rarely the real problem, it’s a symptom of something deeper.

“When we work with businesses, it’s usually part of a wider culture strategy that we help bring to life. It’s about making wellbeing real, not just words on a poster, promoting better self-care every day.”

David Dunwell, chief executive of Lancashire Mind, says: “Workplace wellbeing should be a key focus for all employers. Looking after your
teams and ensuring you provide a supportive and inclusive environment directly drives productivity, reduces sickness and staff turnover.

“We continue to drive forward change and offer support for employees and employers.

“Our teams have helped more than 1,000 local businesses in the last decade and have seen a range of issues faced by organisations including line managing people with mental health conditions, work related stress, burn out and a lack of internal resources to support
employees’ mental health.”

Lancashire Mind has been running a pilot project with leading Ribble Valley hospitality group James’ Places to boost health and
wellbeing of its staff.

The winner of the Health and Wellbeing category in the Red Rose Awards is offering an employee assistance programme (EAP) to any James’ Places staff member experiencing worry, anxiety or poor health.

David says: “We know there are mixed quality  offers when it comes to EAPs that provide mental health support in the workplace and, as such, we felt a responsibility to provide a high-quality Lancashire based service.

“Lancashire Minds’ EAP provides local in-person and quality offers that have a complete focus on the interests of Lancashire people, rather than commercial priorities.

“We want to provide a quality offer that puts people first. Our offer is supplemented with training and self-help resources.”

Jen Briggs, head of HR and partnerships at James’ Places, says “Lancashire Mind has provided us with thorough resources, courses and training.

“The EAP has been instrumental in managers and our mental health and wellbeing champions being equipped to support our staff and teams across the group.”

Ian Treasure, WorkWell programme lead, said: “We are keen to work alongside local businesses to help support your employees who may be experiencing problems affecting their wellbeing, which is often issues outside of work. We are encouraging people to come forward for help, and local employers can help.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Bellway to build 183 high quality new homes Royal Bowland Park street scene NEW.jpg.jpg

Bellway to build 183 high quality new homes

29 Oct 2025

2

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth - Representatives from the University's Business School, local SMEs and the IOEE

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth

29 Oct 2025

3

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire BAE Typhoon ECRS Mk2 Radar

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire

28 Oct 2025

4

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold The Mill at Conder Green

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold

28 Oct 2025

5

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm PM+M promotions

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm

27 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event
Holiday Inn Hotel
Networking
28 Oct 2025 - 18 Nov 2025

November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event

Holiday Inn, Blackpool

16:46 - 16:45

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin