Small businesses across England have been issued a warning by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) ahead of a key deadline on March 31. The department is encouraging business owners and managers to enrol in a free government-backed training programme designed to help companies better manage employee health issues and workplace absences.
The alert follows research indicating that when a small business loses an employee due to ill-health, the cost of replacing that worker can exceed £11,000. Recruitment expenses, training costs, and reduced productivity all contribute to the financial impact.
The DWP says the training programme aims to help employers reduce those risks while supporting staff members who may be dealing with health conditions.
Programme
The initiative is called Support with Occupational Health (SOH). It is a free digital training course designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that employ between 1 and 249 staff members in England.
The programme is delivered through the International Workplace learning platform and focuses on improving how businesses manage health-related workplace challenges.
According to the DWP, nearly 2,000 managers have already enrolled in the course. Employers are being encouraged to sign up before the March 31 registration deadline.
The department also highlighted the financial impact of losing employees due to illness. In a message shared on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, the DWP stated that replacing an employee lost to ill-health can cost small businesses more than £11,000.
Purpose
The training is part of a broader government effort to help employers support workers with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or other health-related concerns.
The course focuses on practical workplace strategies that can help employers manage sickness absence more effectively. It also provides guidance on supporting employees as they return to work after periods of illness.
Government data suggests that early support and workplace adjustments can often help employees remain in their roles rather than leaving the labour market due to health problems.
For small businesses in particular, retaining experienced staff can reduce costs and maintain workplace stability.
Structure
The course is designed to be flexible and accessible for busy managers. It is delivered entirely online and typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.
Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate confirming their training.
The course covers several key workplace topics related to employee health and wellbeing.
| Course Area | What Participants Learn |
|---|---|
| Health Conversations | How to discuss health issues with staff |
| Legal Duties | Knowing employer obligations |
| Adjustments | Implementing reasonable workplace changes |
| Return to Work | Managing employee recovery and reintegration |
| Staff Retention | Reducing the risk of losing experienced workers |
These areas are intended to give managers practical tools they can apply within their own organisations.
Impact
For smaller companies, losing a skilled worker can create operational challenges. In addition to the estimated £11,000 cost of hiring and training a replacement, businesses may experience reduced productivity while a role remains vacant.
Other staff members may also face increased workloads during the transition period.
The DWP believes that improving awareness of occupational health practices can help employers reduce these disruptions. Early intervention, flexible working arrangements, and workplace adjustments may allow employees with health issues to remain in their roles longer.
Such approaches can also contribute to improved staff wellbeing and overall workplace stability.
Eligibility
The Support with Occupational Health course is currently available to businesses that meet specific criteria.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Size | 1 to 249 employees |
| Location | England |
| Cost | Free |
| Format | Online training |
| Completion Time | Around 60 to 90 minutes |
Employers who meet these requirements can enrol before the March 31 deadline.
Registration
Businesses interested in taking part can sign up through the official Support with Occupational Health website. The registration process allows managers to access the online training and complete the programme at their own pace.
The DWP is encouraging eligible employers to register before the deadline to ensure they can access the training and the certificate provided at completion.
For many small businesses, improving how workplace health issues are handled may help prevent staff turnover and reduce operational costs. The programme aims to provide practical guidance to help employers support employees while maintaining productivity.
FAQs
What is the DWP £11,000 warning about?
It refers to the average cost of replacing a worker lost to ill-health.
What is the SOH training programme?
A free course helping businesses manage workplace health issues.
Who can join the programme?
SMEs in England with 1 to 249 employees.
How long does the course take?
It usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
