The founder of a new clinic in Brentford claims it could help firms slash their share of the estimated £14bn annual cost to the UK of lost working days.

All Health Matters' second London clinic was opened at The Mille, in Great West Road, Brentford, on Tuesday (April 21), with Conservative parliamentary candidate Mary Macleod performing the ceremonial duties.

The occupational health centre is aimed at businesses on and around the stretch of the A4 known as the 'Golden Mile'.

Gill Monk, founder and managing director of All Health Matters, said: "Apart from the obvious effects of ill-health on individuals and their families, absence from work costs the UK economy £14bn a year, according to the CBI (Confederation of British Industry).

"Figures released by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development show the overall average cost of ill-health, per employee per year in 2014, was £609. Within that, the private sector average was £520, 43% less than the public sector average of £914.

"By helping businesses protect their staff from work-related ill-health conditions, providing a healthy working environment, assisting with work-life balance and offering rehabilitation and counselling services to aid a return to work after injury or sickness, businesses can help ensure a healthier workforce and avoid those costs associated with absence from work."