The number of people losing their jobs due to illness is increasing by 300,000 a year, according to new analysis from a leading health think tank.
According to the Health Foundation, working-age people who quit work because of a health condition are one-third less likely to be re-employed than healthy people, further increasing the number of people claiming disability benefits. It is said that he is letting it happen.
Official figures have dashed hopes that the effects of the pandemic will fade and the labor market will return to pre-pandemic conditions.
According to the foundation, in addition to the 4 million working-age people unemployed due to illness, 3.9 million people are currently employed with work-limiting health conditions, an increase since 2013. It is said that the number of people has increased by 1.5 million.
The foundation’s report shows that in the UK there has been a significant increase in the number of people of working age who have a disability that affects the way they work, and that these workers are more likely to leave the workforce than their able-bodied counterparts. showed that they were three times more likely to
While unemployment has increased only slightly since the high inflation and cost-of-living crisis began in 2021, the number of people suffering from mental and physical health problems has soared.
The Bank of England report highlights how shortages of workers in key industries are forcing employers to pay higher wages, disrupting price stability and having knock-on effects on the economy.
Bankers kept interest rates on hold at 5% at their last meeting and wanted to see more data showing labor market participation returning to previous levels and price pressures easing before lowering borrowing costs. said.
The foundation said the report’s findings were part of an interim study by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives to examine the growing challenge of illness in working-age people.
The report, based on insights from employers, experts and the public, calls for governments to adopt new measures to support people with health conditions and help them return to work where possible. It is claimed that there is.
Support for workers with health problems is “often too slow or absent,” the report said.
The report said: “Less than half of UK workers have access to occupational health services, the Fit Note system is ineffective and statutory sick pay is less generous than in other countries.” .
“Many employers want to help, but capacity and knowledge are often lacking, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises,” the report said.
Sasha Romanovic, chair of the Healthier Working Life Committee, said ministers needed to develop strategies to support a healthier workforce.
Mr Romanovich said in preparation for this month’s budget and the employment white paper due in the autumn, the government will clear the backlog of “access to work” applications to ensure people with disabilities and health conditions receive the support they are entitled to. said it was necessary. have the right without delay. ”
It added that a review of labor practices in the public sector is also needed, where the incidence of work-related illnesses is rapidly increasing.
“Despite common misconceptions, the evidence in this report shows that many people with long-term health conditions are willing to work and can contribute meaningfully to the economy, but lack the support and flexibility they need. “It shows that there are many cases where people are suffering,” she said.
