A radical proposal to tackle the UK's spiralling benefits bill has been put forward, suggesting the crisis could be addressed for a contribution of just five pounds per month from every worker.
The £5-a-month solution to worklessness
The idea comes from Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, following a major review into the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system. Speaking to The Sun, Mayfield stated that proper workplace health support would cost in the region of five pounds per month per employee.
This money would be used to fund crucial 'stay in work' and 'return to work' support programmes. The aim is to help individuals recover from health issues while remaining connected to their employment, rather than being signed off and potentially lost to the workforce entirely.
"We're very confident that where employers put that kind of support in place, and they embrace the healthy working-life cycle, they get a very positive return," Sir Charlie explained. He highlighted the expected benefits for businesses, including lower rates of absence, faster return-to-work rates, and financial gains that would outweigh the cost of providing the support.
Social media's role in youth inactivity
Mayfield is also contributing to an independent review into youth inactivity, led by former health secretary Dr Alan Milburn. This review is examining the reasons behind growing numbers of young people failing to enter employment.
He warned that the review must confront the significant role of social media, which he believes intensifies societal pressures and is fuelling a surge in mental health problems among the young. "Social media appears to intensify pressures that have always existed," Mayfield said, noting it makes it harder for young people to escape comparison, insecurity, and competition with peers.
He offered a stark personal perspective, adding: "If I was a parent now and I had a, let's say, a 14-year old, I would be probably quite enthusiastic about the idea of having a social media ban."
Mobilising for ministerial action
Sir Charlie is now focused on turning his findings into concrete action. He told the newspaper that he is mobilising employers across the country to build a body of evidence that will push government ministers to back the proposed scheme.
The plan represents a direct attempt to create a sustainable funding model for workplace health, aiming to reduce long-term dependency on benefits and address the root causes of worklessness, particularly among younger generations grappling with modern pressures.
