SMALL businesses in East Devon can bid for a share of millions of pounds over the next two years to fund projects that could slash the number of sick days taken by workers.

SMALL businesses in East Devon can bid for a share of millions of pounds over the next two years to fund projects that could slash the number of sick days taken by workers.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) minister Lord McKenzie is inviting small and medium sized businesses and local partnerships to bid for a share of the �4million Health Work and Well-being Challenge Fund.

He said: "We are working with employers to provide the necessary support to help workers remain happy and healthy in their job. This fund will improve conditions in the workplace and will help to prevent workers taking time off sick.

"We are looking for innovative and exciting ideas to improve the health and welfare of employees in the workplace. These can include projects to reduce stress, improve a work-life balance or provide healthy activities."

The fund will be available from now until March 2011 and the types of projects include reducing stress and improving other mental health conditions, providing healthy activities, ensuring work-life balance and supportive management.

There will be two rounds of funding and successful projects can be awarded between �1,000 and �50,000 a year.

Local Assessment Panels will decide which projects will receive funding, based on criteria aimed at promoting occupational health and welfare at work.

Further details, including project criteria and guidance for entries, are available at http://www.workingforhealth.gov.uk/ChallengeFund