Reported on Wed, 29 Mar 2006

Unfit workers are beginning to make inroads into the UK economy, a new report finds, but a business loan could help firms increase the exercise and leisure facilities available to their staff.

With only 48 per cent of the population admitting they exercise enough to meet the government's recommended target of 150 minutes per week, a study by consultants Deloitte suggests that if this number rose to 70 per cent, the UK economy could save itself £487 million each year.

This gain would ensue from a dramatic loss in the amount of sick leave, with the report claiming that the 70 per cent target would save 2,783,808 days currently lost to illness.

The survey of 10,000 people found that those who exercised less than the recommended 150 minutes per week took an average 3.5 sick days per year, compared to three days for those who exercised for over 150 minutes each week.

With 35 million days each year currently lost to illness or injury, a number of companies have been exploring the opportunities of bringing exercise equipment into the workplace or striking deals with local gyms for the benefit of their staff.

Taking out a low-rate business loan could help firms develop these new schemes and experience the benefits of a fitter, more productive workplace.

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