Long-term ill health prevents 2.5 million people from working, according to a new report.
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) found that, of the 41.6 million people of working age (16-64) in the UK, 2.5 million (1 in 16 people) are economically inactive due to long-term sickness.
This historically high figure represents an “immediate and pressing concern” for the government, the SOM said.
The report noted that the UK has an ageing population, high rates of excess weight as well as alcohol consumption and a legacy of smoking, resulting in long-term physical and mental health problems.
More than 11 million people are living with long-term conditions that can affect their ability to work. There has also been an increase in economic inactivity in young men, aged 16 to 24, with sharp increases in mental health issues.
Pressures in health and social care delivery, including the impact of Covid-19, have led to backlogs for treatment and worsening health outcomes.
The SOM is calling for comprehensive occupational health (OH) coverage, with only 50% of workers currently accessing OH. It said that steps have been taken, including in the Spring Budget, to support OH so those with health conditions can continue work, but more must be done to keep people healthy at work and reverse these trends.
“Without investment in occupational health, these figures will continue to get worse,” said SOM chief executive Nick Pahl.
“This report helps us better understand the patterns and causes of ill-health driven fallout from the UK job market. It’s vital that we understand why the UK is seeing a rise in inactivity rates compared to other OECD countries.
“We need to understand what the catalysts are, the drivers of fallout, and what factors contribute to preventing people return to work.”
