I Wonder What the Aim of the Keep Britain Working Review Is?

What is the Keep Britain Working Review?

In January 2025, the UK Government launched the Keep Britain Working review, an independent investigation commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The review focuses on tackling low employment rates among individuals with ill health and disabilities by exploring the role of employers and government interventions.

Led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, former chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, this review aims to identify actionable recommendations that support greater workforce inclusion. It aligns closely with the Government's Plan Make Work Pay initiative, which promotes job security and improved living standards across the UK.

Key Objectives of the Keep Britain Working Review:

• Address economic inactivity caused by ill health and disability.
• Encourage employer-led measures to retain and support affected employees.
• Recommend government policies to enhance employment opportunities.
• Improve collaboration between employers, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

Keep Britain Working: Discovery Phase Report Highlights

In March 2025, the Discovery Phase report, titled Keep Britain Working Review: Discovery, was published. It examines the underlying causes of high levels of economic inactivity, with a particular focus on ill-health and disability, and explores how government and employers can work together to tackle these challenges.

This report represents the first stage in a broader review of economic inactivity. It outlines current perspectives on the issue and highlights key areas that may require action.

Key insights include:

• Nearly 800,000 more working-age people are economically inactive due to health reasons since 2019, a 40% increase.
• The rise in health-related economic inactivity is disproportionately high among younger adults aged 16 to 34, with a 77% increase (1.2 million individuals).
• The UK is currently the only advanced economy experiencing rising economic inactivity linked to health.

Challenges Identified in the Report:

• Employer incentives: Misaligned incentives during employee absences often hinder retention efforts.
• Delayed support: Slow access to effective workplace support for ill or disabled employees worsens outcomes.
• Ineffective case management: Lack of coordinated support leads to prolonged absences and increased risk of job loss.

Five Principles for an Effective Labour Market Ecosystem

Based on international comparisons undertaken as part of the review, in which the United Kingdom was assessed alongside various labour market systems globally, the conclusion is clear: no single approach works universally. The report outlines five key principles that underpin an effective labour market ecosystem:

• Employer incentives focused on prevention and retention.
• Early intervention and structured return-to-work programmes.
• Balanced workplace flexibility combined with job security.
• Strong cooperation between government bodies and employers.
• Removing structural barriers to reemployment for disabled individuals.

Potential Impact of the Keep Britain Working Review

The review highlights the urgent need for early intervention, flexible working arrangements, and better partnerships between employers, the government, and health services.

Its recommendations could:

• Improve employment rates for people with ill health and disabilities.
• Reduce economic inactivity and associated costs.
• Foster a more inclusive, diverse workforce across the UK.

Next Steps

Following the Discovery Phase, an engagement phase will gather feedback from individuals with lived experience and employers. The full recommendations are expected to be published in Autumn 2025.

Expert Advice and Support from Warner Goodman LLP

Stay informed about the progress of the Keep Britain Working review and its impact on employment law. Our Employment Team offers expert advice on workplace policies and compliance.

• Contact us at employment@warnergoodman.co.uk or call 023 8071 7717.
• Our Document Audit Team can assist with drafting policies that support inclusion and legal compliance.

Make Work Pay Programme: Helping Employers Adapt

With the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, UK employers must prepare for new regulations. Our Make Work Pay Programme is a six-month, fixed-fee service designed to help businesses:

• Understand and prepare for new employment legislation.
• Align internal workplace practices with legal and commercial best standards.
• Minimise legal risk and create a compliant, supportive work environment.

Learn more about our Make Work Pay Programme here.