OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR HEALTH AND BUSINESS

Early day motion 1533, tabled 31 January 2006 by Michael Clapham (Labour). Signed by 98 members.

That this House welcomes the aim of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Cancer Research UK and Asthma UK to make the UK's workplaces healthier and more active; recognises that 60 per cent. of the working population's waking hours are spent in employment; notes the positive impact activity can have on physical and mental wellbeing; acknowledges that a significant proportion of incapacity benefit claimants could have remained in work given the right ergonomic advice, early intervention or exercise; further notes that 12.7 million working days are lost to asthma each year; further notes that businesses have reported good financial returns on investment in occupational health services, as high as a £12 return in every pound spent; and calls for increased investment in NHS occupational health services, early access to rehabilitation, and health and safety advice services for large and small businesses as part of a strategy to build a healthier workforce.

Signatures by party: Labour 83, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 4, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.