§ Mr. BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to promote health promotion programmes in the workplace; and whether there are any particular initiatives aimed specifically at older workers.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe have recently embarked on a programme of initiatives in response to the recommendations of a "Health of the Nation" task force, whose report will be placed in the Library. The aim is to build on the great amount of workplace health promotion that already exists, and to encourage it further, by giving advice to employers, by encouraging evaluation to demonstrate the benefits to employers and employees alike, and by promoting contact locally between the various organisations and professions concerned. The programme will be overseen by a small steering group comprising key Departments, agencies, including the Health Education Authority, and organisations at national level.
In addition, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Social Security, is responsible for the management in the United Kingdom of the European Year of Older People and Solidarity Between Generations which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched last December. Health promotion needs of older people in the workplace and elsewhere has been one of the many themes and issues upon which the year has concentrated.