Getting employees back to work quicker- protecting profitability in the face of NHS delays
Small businesses rely on their people. When one or two employees are off sick, it can have a huge impact – missed jobs, delayed projects, or even turning down work. With NHS waiting lists at record levels¹, the time it takes for staff to get treatment and return to work is becoming a major risk to profitability.
The current reality
According to the BMA and NHS England, there are now over 7.5 million people waiting for treatment, with more than 3 million waiting over 18 weeks and hundreds of thousands waiting a year or more. Average waiting times for many procedures exceed 14 weeks1. For a small business, that could mean losing a key worker for three months or longer.
The business cost of absenteeism
The ONS reports that UK businesses lost 35.2 million workdays to sickness in a single year2. For a tradesperson, that could mean unfinished contracts, penalty charges, or lost customers. For an office, it could mean deadlines missed and clients going elsewhere. In small teams, every absence is magnified.
How Private Medical Insurance helps
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can transform how quickly staff get back to work. With PMI, employees can:
- See a GP remotely within days, not weeks.
- Access diagnostics and scans quickly.
- Start treatment in private hospitals far sooner than on the NHS.
- Benefit from rehabilitation and aftercare to speed recovery.
The result? Shorter absences, less disruption, and more predictable staffing.
Real return on investment
Think of PMI as a productivity tool, not just a perk. A relatively small monthly premium can save thousands in lost revenue by reducing downtime. Faster treatment means employees get back to earning, producing, and serving customers quicker.
The bottom line
With NHS waiting lists growing, relying solely on public healthcare could cost your business dearly. PMI gives your employees faster access to treatment, reduces absenteeism, and protects your profitability.
For small businesses and tradespeople, it’s a practical, affordable way to keep your team healthy, motivated, and at work.