Bosses must make workers healthier in return for government help filling jobs, says Work and Pensions Secretary

BOSSES must make their workers healthier in return for the Government’s help filling vacancies, a Cabinet Minister will demand today. 

Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith will lay out the her mission to get unemployed people off the couch and into jobs.

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But as a trade-off for helping plug record vacancies she wants firms to boost the health of their staff so fewer fall ill and quit work.

She is expected to praise initiatives where bosses invest in therapy and fitness classes for employees.

Ms Smith is concerned that long-term sickness is a major reason Britain has nine million economically inactive people while stretched companies are crying out for more staff.

And she is demanding companies help get more disabled people into work by installing things like wheelchair ramps and special keyboards. 

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Unveiling the government’s drive for jobs at Policy Exchange today, Ms Smith will say: “Businesses need to show how they are playing their part in reducing inactivity and growing the economy by making the labour market more accessible and inclusive. 

“In return for the Government helping businesses fill their vacancies, we are expecting employers to invest in their workforce’s progression and health.”

Ministers are threatening to cut benefits for claimants working less than 15 hours per week who fail to meet with new DWP work coaches.

The Treasury has warned these Universal Credit recipients who do not take active steps to work more hours will have pay slashed.