The EEF are a manufacturers organisation existing to help secure the future growth of the sector across the UK. Here are some of Terry Woolmer’s comments ( 4th December 2017 4:21 pm – Employeebenefits.co.uk) about how employee benefits with private medical insurance in the main benefiting businesses.
EEF’s annual sickness absence surveys shown that employers believe some form of private medical insurance for employees is beneficial.
EEF’s Employee health: Making industrial strategy work for Britain – published in August 2016, found that just over a quarter supported financial incentives associated with PMI.
This reflects a finding that PMI was the most popular benefit offered to almost two-thirds of employees. .
There is no doubt that increased use of PMI would benefit employers and employees. It would enable a faster return to work and improved productivity giving workers prompt access to medical treatment. The private health sector takes pressure off and supports the NHS. It provides additional beds and treatments to reduce waiting lists, therefore reducing the burden on the taxpayer.
Employers could highlight the benefits to employees by promoting it as part of a wider work and wellbeing strategy. Also alongside other health-related benefits such as annual health checks and screening.
Many studies show that those organisations that adopt a work and wellbeing strategy achieve better performance, lower absence and improved productivity as a result.
Terry Woolmer is head of health and safety policy at EEF