DWP Sounds Alarm: £11,000 Cost Warning for Small Businesses
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a stark warning to small business owners, highlighting potential costs exceeding £11,000 per employee lost due to ill-health. This alert comes as the deadline for a free government-backed training scheme rapidly approaches on March 31.
Urgent Call to Action Before Deadline
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England are being strongly encouraged to enroll in the DWP's 'Support with Occupational Health' training programme before it concludes at the end of next month. Recent statistics reveal that replacing just one employee who leaves because of health issues can set a small business back by more than £11,000 in recruitment and training expenses alone.
The DWP emphasized this financial impact in a social media post, stating: "Replacing an employee lost to ill-health costs small businesses over £11,000. Our free training course will help you build a healthier, more resilient workforce." The department noted that nearly 2,000 managers have already signed up for the initiative.
Comprehensive Training for Workforce Management
This training forms part of a broader government effort to assist SMEs in better managing sickness absence and supporting staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Delivered through the International Workplace platform, the 'Support with Occupational Health' course specifically targets businesses employing between 1 and 249 people based in England.
The flexible online programme takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete and provides managers with essential tools and confidence to:
- Discuss challenging topics related to health and wellbeing with employees
- Understand legal requirements and implement 'reasonable adjustments'
- Create effective return-to-work plans for staff members
- Minimize the risk of losing valuable team members to health-related departures
Broader Impact Beyond Financial Costs
For small businesses, the loss of a key staff member extends far beyond the immediate £11,000 replacement cost. Sickness absence frequently leads to decreased productivity and places additional strain on remaining team members, potentially affecting overall business performance and morale.
Government data indicates that with early intervention and appropriate support, many employees who might otherwise leave the workforce due to health concerns could potentially remain in their roles. The training aims to equip managers with the knowledge to provide this crucial support effectively.
How to Enroll Before March 31
The 'Support with Occupational Health' course is completely free and results in a certificate of completion upon finishing. Business owners and managers are urged to sign up immediately through the designated platform to ensure they don't miss the March 31 registration deadline for this valuable resource.
