Health Inequalities

There are social and economic conditions that drive health inequities, including education, employment, housing and access to transport.  

Avoidable health inequalities arise because of the circumstances in which people grow, live, work, and age, and the systems put in place to deal with illness. The conditions in which people live and die are, in turn, shaped by political, social, and economic forces.

According to the World Health Organisation's recent report, 'Closing the Gap in a Generation', health standards are being negatively impacted by a variety of social and economic factors which, if addressed, could see an improvement in health across all socio-economic groups. 

Business in the Community's role is to raise our members' awareness on best practice for how they operate, manage their supply chains and support employees and the impact this has on closing the gap in health inequalities. We also challenge other companies to tackle this issue.

The role of business

Business in the Community has been asked to work with the UK Department of Health and other partner organisations on a campaign to raise awareness of the social and economic causes of health inequalities in the UK. BITC’s role is to specifically consider the role of business in addressing health inequalities. 

The direct relationship between the private sector and many of the identified 'social determinants' can be very clear-cut as in case of workplace health and wellbeing. Other relationships may seem less obvious but are still key to the standards of health a person can expect to enjoy - such as how buildings are designed and which transport options are available in the local community. 

Responsible businesses are already taking positive action in many of these areas across all of Business in the Community’s impact areas both in the UK and internationally. While the agenda is broad and deep, there are a number of issues that have immediately resonance with the role of the employer. 

Strategic review of health inequalities in England 

In order to understand health inequalities within an English context, Professor Sir Michael Marmot was commissioned in November 2008 to chair an independent strategic review of health inequalities in England. We used the opportunity of the Marmot Review consultations to bring key companies around the table to talk about how their business and their role as employers can address health inequalities. 

Three consultations took place in June and July 2009 which focused on:

• Work, social protection and the economy
• Education, early years and social mobility 
• Sustainability and the built environment 

How do I get involved and find out more?

We will continue to engage the companies involved in the Marmot Review consultation, however, Business in the Community is also keen to hear from businesses if this campaign is relevant to your current community investment strategy or plans for the future.

For further information, please contact Stephanie Hagan on 020 7566 6653. For information on the international aspect of this work, please visit the CSR360 Global Partner Network website.