Government fund 'could lessen small business stress'

Date: 26th October 2009

A new government fund to provide capital for small businesses to improve health and safety has been launched.

Small firms have been invited by the Department for Work and Pensions to make bids for assistance from the £4 million Health Work and Wellbeing Challenge Fund over the next two years.

Workplace projects to reduce employee stress, promote health and a "supportive" attitude from management will all be considered for funding.

Maximum awards for successful firms stand at £50,000 per year.

However, only businesses with fewer than 249 employees are allowed to apply for the scheme.

Work and pensions minister Lord McKenzie said: "We are working with employers to provide the necessary support to help workers remain happy and healthy in their job.

"This fund will improve conditions in the workplace and will help to prevent workers taking time off sick."

The Health Work and Wellbeing Challenge Fund is available until March 2011.