More than 130,000 people across the country will be better protected from diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

The checks, which can be completed quickly and easily for employees at work, record a range of information about each patient, which is then used to determine their cardiovascular risk.

Employers from a range of professions will take part in the programme, including those from the building, hospitality, and transport sectors and social care.

Andrew Gwynne, minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: 'This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic and productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.'

More than 16 million people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but current data shows that only around 40% of those invited went on to complete one. This new programme aims to reach more people through their place of work and make it more convenient for people to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.  

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, said: 'Councils are exploring new ways to boost uptake, targeting individuals or communities at increased risk, and using proactive outreach programs to get into those communities who are less likely to attend their general practice.

'However, there is more that can be done, and by partnering council and employers, we can make sure more people get a health check and hopefully prevent illness later on.'

In addition, the government has today also announced the development of a new digital version of the NHS Health Check which will be ready for testing early in 2025. 

The digital programme will deliver around one million checks in its first four years. Plans are being put in place to make digital NHS Health Checks available nationally, alongside the face-to-face programme to give patients more choice.

Local authorities in Norfolk (East of England), Medway (South East) and Lambeth (London) have been selected to pilot the new digital health checks in early 2025. 

The service will be available through the NHS App, meaning users can undertake their health check at home and have the results automatically written back into their GP electronic health record, within a few clicks.