Motor industry companies could be faced with declining productivity in the coming years as the workforce ages.

By 2030, the average age of staff in British businesses will reach 43 rising from 39. The average age for retirement will be 68 by 2050.

As a result, millions of employees will be working while suffering long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, musculoskeletal conditions and mental illness.

Bupa, which published the report with the Work Foundation, warned that health needs of workers will change and said the report gives businesses time to take action to keep their employees healthy, productive and at work.

“The commercial benefits of taking action on workplace health are clear as healthy employees can be nearly three times more productive than those in poor health”, said Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald, Bupa managing director.