A nationwide survey of people in the UK has revealed that more than half of Britons want their employers to take more responsibility for their health and welfare.

The survey by Bupa Health Insurance also found the demand for private medical insurance has grown to 40 per cent, just as the popularity of pensions as a health benefit at workplace crashed by six per cent.

This development, according to the study, shows that private medical insurance is fast becoming the most desirable employee benefit. It revealed further that top workplace health wish-list in the country include PMI, health assessment and free gym membership.

The Government is increasingly exerting pressure on companies to invest in workplace health. And recently the Department of Work and Pension, in a review of the Health of the Working Population led by Dame Carol Black, highlighted the need for companies to do more to promote the health and welfare of their employees.