British Osteopathic Association Response to Today’s Report - British Osteopathic Association Response to Today’s Report highlighting that ill health costs the British economy around £103bn The Department for Work and Pensions is preparing to publish a report by Dame Carol Black, the DWP's National Director for Health and Work, on assisting people on sick leave to return to work. The report puts the total cost of ill-health to the British economy at around £103bn, with the bulk of this figure (£63bn) being made up of the benefit costs and lost taxes for people who are not working due to illness or disability. As part of her recommendations, Dame Black proposes trials of a new Fit for Work service to provide access to specialists such as physiotherapists, osteopaths and counsellors for all employees in the early stages of sickness. Dame Black has been reported as saying that the conditions are often treatable and even preventable if they could be supported early. Commenting on this morning’s Today programme, Dame Black specifically referred to the potential of osteopathy when treating and preventing conditions such as bad backs.