UK workers want private healthcare amid NHS crisis

According to new research from specialist recruitment firm Robert Half, 51 per cent of the UK workforce want private healthcare insurance at work.

The firm’s 2024 Salary Guide, which analyses and reports on market salaries, hiring trends, and skills requirements across the UK, highlighted concerns from employees as the NHS struggles due to a lack of staff and high waiting times.

These worries have translated into growing demands for better healthcare benefits, with private dental insurance most sought-after (62 per cent) – reports suggest a decline in access to NHS dentists has led to a rise in mouth cancer-related deaths.

A further 57 per cent of staff are interested in Health and Outpatient Insurance, while more than a third (35 per cent) would like mental health resources or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) as workers struggle with burnout and other mental health issues.

Steve Sully, Regional Director at Robert Half, commented: “The NHS issues and subsequent concerns around access to healthcare treatment is clearly playing on the minds of the UK workforce. This latest data shows a growing trend in people turning to their employers to provide private dental and healthcare benefits. Firms must be mindful of the perks and benefits that resonate with existing and future workers if they are to attract and retain the staff they need.

“We’ve seen a trend of pay increase demands over the last year due to a combination of the rising costs of living and worker shortages, but this isn’t a sustainable means of sourcing staff. Employers are needing to be more creative about benefits packages to compete for top talent and, as the workforce is clearly showing, private healthcare, alongside mental health support, are a priority.”