Gloucestershire firm The Healthy Employee has been bought by wellbeing technology business Raiys.

The two companies both specialise in improving the physical and mental health of workers to reduce sickness absence and have joined forces to expand their reach.

The Healthy Employee is based near Moreton-in-Marsh and was founded by Anna Mason in 2008. It employs a network of experts to provide health assessments, advice on posture, sleep and stress management, mental health first aid and catering provision in the workplace.

It works mainly with companies in the construction and infrastructure sectors, delivering tailored programmes onsite and remotely to inspire sustainable lifestyle changes.

Founded in 2018 by James Murphy, Raiys is is headquartered in Warrington and provides health and wellbeing technology to more than 750,000 employees across the UK, mainly through an app.

Its technology supports mindfulness, fitness and motivation through expert advice, courses, one-to-one business coaching and a 24/7 counselling hotline and live chat service for legal, debt and life advice.

Mr Murphy said: "Poor wellbeing programmes underlie so many workplace issues, including morale, safety, productivity and the long-term health of workers.

"Employers are facing record levels of sickness absence, presenteeism, staff turnover and mental health-related illness.

"Workplaces are key spaces for improving health and wellbeing, and our mission is to help employers create healthy, purposeful workplace cultures across all sectors and job roles."

It completed the acquisition for an undisclosed sum - the company's first buyout as part of a strategic growth plan to double in size this year.

Mr Murphy said he chose The Healthy Employee as both companies prioritise great customer service and have a genuine desire to promote health and wellbeing at work,. He said the deal provides a strong platform to achieve the growth plans for both businesses.

The Healthy Employee brand will be retained, and Anna and her team remain with the business.

She said: "I am very pleased that The Healthy Employee has been acquired by Raiys, whose existing products and services alongside our own offering will prove invaluable in responding to clients' evolving needs, enabling greater future engagement and successful health and wellbeing programmes and outcomes."