Why Investing in Staff Wellbeing Could Be the Key to Cornwall’s Economic Revival

Cornwall Director of Public Health Urges Business Investment in Employee Health

In a recent presentation to Cornwall Council’s cabinet, Rachel Wigglesworth, the Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, stressed the urgent need for businesses to invest more in staff wellbeing and occupational health services. Her call to action is highlighted in the 2023/24 Director of Public Health Annual Report, which underscores the strong link between a healthy workforce and a robust economy.

Economic Impact of Health Issues

The report reveals that over 75,000 people of working age in Cornwall are currently ‘economically inactive’. This economic inactivity is largely attributed to long-term sickness and mental health issues. The annual report highlights a pressing need for action to address these issues, suggesting that healthier employees can lead to a more productive economy.

Recommendations for Improvement

The Director’s report suggests several measures to improve both workforce health and economic performance. Key recommendations include:

• Establishing a Good Work Charter
• Increasing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Encouraging larger employers to enhance their support for employees with health problems
• Promoting staff wellbeing and fairer pay

These recommendations aim to foster a healthier and more inclusive working environment across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Integration with Cornwall’s Good Growth Strategy

The report also plays a pivotal role in shaping Cornwall’s new Good Growth Strategy, which was discussed at the cabinet meeting. It is hoped that these insights will guide future strategic planning, supporting fairer economic growth and better health and wellbeing.

Key Findings and Data

The report presents several critical findings:

• Safe and secure employment with good working conditions, supportive management, and opportunities for development improves overall health and wellbeing, while also protecting against social exclusion.
• Unemployment negatively impacts health, leading to shorter life expectancy and poorer health outcomes.
• Ideal jobs should offer stability, a decent living wage, secure housing, opportunities for learning, work-life balance, and protection from adverse conditions.

Challenges to Address

Two significant issues are highlighted in the report:

1. Approximately 77,500 people of working age in Cornwall are economically inactive, with nearly a third affected by long-term sickness, primarily due to mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.
2. Employment rates for individuals with life-limiting conditions and disabilities are notably lower than national averages.

Concluding Remarks

Rachel Wigglesworth commented that the report sheds light on the health benefits of good employment, which can enhance productivity and ease pressure on health and care services. Despite ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth in the region, the current workforce is less healthy and has lower incomes compared to the national average.

The report is intended to support efforts to create a healthier, fairer, and more productive Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. For more detailed information, you can read the full report here.