More than half of businesses are concerned about long NHS waiting lists and the impact these are having on their sickness absence rates, research has suggested.

The Future Health report, sponsored by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network, has found that 52% of businesses are “very” or “quite” concerned that current NHS waiting times could lead to their staff taking long absences or leaving work permanently due to of illness.

This echoes a recent report from healthcare provider HCMLwhich found that almost 60% of employees say they struggle to access NHS services.

It is estimated that there are currently around 3.7 million people of working age in work with a work-limiting health condition and 2.7 million people out of work and economically inactive. NHS waiting lists remain at record levels.

The Future Health survey of more than 1,000 businesses found that over a quarter (28%) had reported an increase in sickness absence in the past 12 months. By comparison, only 10% had seen a decrease.

A quarter (24%) also said they plan to offer or introduce more private health insurance in the next 12 months. More than a fifth (22%) said they plan to offer or introduce more employee support programs.

The report also called on the government to follow up the previous government’s referral and introducing tax incentives for employers to invest in occupational health care and employee health benefit schemes, including health checks, vaccinations and access to OH equipment.

It called for an expansion of the OH workforce through the planned refresh of NHS Long-term NHS workforce plan year 2025.

The NHS 10-year reform plan needed to focus on workforce health and, in particular, better identification and management of patients with conditions driving increased workforce absenteeism, such as back pain and arthritis, it added.

The report also recommended improvements to the guidance, information and support available to SMEs to support them in identifying and choosing OH and employee health benefits.

Finally, a framework for minimum occupational health standards in all workplaces should be introduced, the report argued.

Richard Sloggett, program director at Future Health, said: “These results show that the country’s poor health and long waits for NHS treatment are a handbrake on economic growth.

“Companies are recording rising levels of illness among their staff and are worried about long waits for NHS treatment. The decision to increase employers’ national insurance risks reducing investment in occupational health and employee health systems.

“The Government must now respond with a clear offer to businesses that encourages employee health-related investment, supports SMEs to expand their health offerings to staff alongside a necessary expansion of the occupational health workforce. Growth will continue to be anemic unless we get Britain’s workforce healthier , he added.