The government launched the first ever review of the health of the working age population, in an effort to help people stay fit for work.

Dame Carol Black, the government's first ever national director for health and work, will lead the review. Secretary of state for work and pensions Peter Hain heard evidence from business and medical professionals on the first day of  its operation.

He said: "Last year 175m working days were lost to sickness absence, costing organisations about £650 per employee. But the human cost is worse. Without the right support people can slip into a life on benefits and lose contact with the labour market. This means that we urgently need to address how we can improve people's health and support them to stay in or return to work.”

Black said:  "Why don't more employers invest in this area? Do GPs provide the right advice to patients? What support should the government provide? And what are the true costs of ill-health - to society, business, and individuals? I will be seeking answers to tough questions like these over the coming months."  

Organisations are encouraged to contribute to the consultation at http://www.workingforhealth.gov.uk.