A major new report says that more than eight million people of working age in the UK have health conditions which make it difficult for them to work. The UK’s limited access to occupational healthcare support is a barrier.
According to the interim report of the Commission for Healthier Working Lives which is supported the Health Foundation and has been supported, this includes 3.9 millions people who are still working, an increase in 1.5 million since 2013.
The commission stated that these trends are causing substantial costs to individuals, employers, and the economy as a whole, and they risk escalating existing inequalities.
The analysis concluded that approximately 300,000 workers a year are forced to leave the workforce due to health problems which limit their ability to work.
It added that once they leave the workforce, their chances of returning to work are three times lower than for those who do not have health conditions.
The Institute for Public Policy Research reached similar conclusions last month. The cross-party Commission on Health and Prosperity found that 4.3 million people may be out of work by the end this Parliament (2029) due to sickness and ill health if the UK doesn’t change its direction.
The Commission for Healthier Working Lives Report is an interim report which summarises the findings of the Commission to date. It also identifies the three key areas on which the final report will focus in 2025. The three key areas are:
- Prioritising proactive initiatives for worker health is important.
- More early and effective support for people to stay on the job market.
- Providing financial incentives and employment and health assistance to people who are looking for work.
The commission stated that “policy and practice gaps such as for statutory sickness pay and occupational healthcare access mean that workers with health issues are often left out or receive support too late.”
The report, after analyzing the data, concluded that the UK’s population of working age has seen a decline in health over the last decade.
In 2013, six million people had health conditions that restricted their ability to work. Now, more than eight millions, or 20 percent of the 16-64 age group, have such conditions.
The decline in health among people of working age has had a major impact on the labor market. Four million people, a record number, are not in the workforce because they have a condition that limits their ability to work. Among them, 2.6 million cite long-term illness or disability as the main reason.
The report noted that “alongside this increase in people who are out of work because of ill-health, there has also been a noticeable yet underreported tendency: a significant rise in the number people with ill-health who are working.”
In 2023, there will be 3.9 million employees aged 16-64 years who are working but have a health condition that limits their ability to work. This is an increase of 1.5 million or 64% from 10 years ago.
“Policy and practice gaps such as for statutory sickness pay and occupational healthcare access mean that workers with health conditions are often left out or receive support too late.” – Commission for Healthier Working Lives
The report stated that “While this represents some improvement in their chances of employment, new analysis by the Commission shows workers with a health condition which limits their ability to work still face a higher risk of leaving the labour market.”
Around 1 in 9 workers with long-term illnesses leave the workforce each year. This compares to 1 in 30 people without such conditions. Around 300,000 people of working age are economically inactive due to a health condition that limits their ability to work each year.
“Once a person is out of work, those with health problems that limit their ability to work are three times more likely to return within a year compared to people without such issues.” It said that the likelihood of someone returning to work decreased the longer they were out of the workforce.
The commission’s findings are important from the perspective occupational health professionals. They highlight the need to assist individuals with health issues in maintaining their employment or quickly returning to work.
“Only 45% (of UK workers) have access to occupational healthcare services. This is much lower than many other comparable countries. The quality of the services is questioned by those who have access. The report also noted that employers may have difficulty providing support for employees returning from sick leaves.
The fit note system is not working effectively. This leaves people on sick leave with no career or work guidance. The UK’s statutory sick pay system is less generous than comparable nations. Up to 2 million workers are not eligible due to low wages, increasing their dependence on the benefits systems,” added the report.
The commission recommended that the UK take a more proactive stance in supporting worker health.
It has made the recommendation that employers should take a proactive role in managing their workforce’s health. This will be supported by government incentives, and a better access to support, information and practical tools.
“The public sector must set an example by setting benchmarks of best practices in sectors with high stress levels, such as health and education. To eliminate harmful work practices and promote healthy conditions, targeted measures are required.
Early, targeted interventions should be prioritized to keep people in the workplace with health conditions. This includes developing a holistic problem-solving approach that takes into account the needs of small employers and self-employed people, and improving access high-quality occupational healthcare services.
It argued that “to help people find a clearly defined route back to work we are also looking at the introduction of a right to return” for those on long term sick leave. This would allow them to remain in the workforce via their current employer or a service called ‘job pooling’ for those who might need to switch employers.”
In the foreword of the report, chair Sacha Romnovitch stated: “The new Government has the chance to set a new direction.” The impact of ill-health in working age on businesses and individuals is significant.
“The evidence shows that if we intervene early and offer the right support, whether or not an illness is related to work, people can remain in their jobs. This is a great goal for people, businesses and society.” she said.
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