Rising long-term sickness takes toll on UK workforce 

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The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) released a comprehensive report on the effect of ill-health on the UK’s working population titled, ‘Understanding Recent Trends in Ill-Health Driven Fallout from the UK Job Market’.

The report analyses data trends - providing a comprehensive picture of the current health challenges experienced by the UK workforce. It was launched following Occupational Health Awareness Week  held from September 18-24.

Key findings from the report include a concerning rise in long-term sickness among women of all age groups since 2014, leading to a higher rate of economic inactivity among women compared to men. Young men aged 16 to 24 are also experiencing increased economic inactivity, marked by a sharp uptick in mental health issues. Occupations with limited remote work opportunities are witnessing a higher incidence of workforce departures due to long-term sickness. 

Moreover, the report highlights that pressures in the healthcare and social care sectors, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, have resulted in treatment backlogs and deteriorating health outcomes. Additionally, the UK faces challenges posed by an ageing population, elevated rates of excess weight, alcohol consumption, and a historical legacy of smoking, contributing to enduring physical and mental health problems.

Of the 41.6 million people in the UK of working age 16-64, 2.5 million (1 in 16 people) are inactive due to long-term sickness. The historically high number of people off work long-term sick, remains an immediate and pressing concern for the Government. More than 11 million people are living with long-term conditions that can affect their ability to work.

Of the four million people living with mental health conditions, only two million are employed. Nearly 60 per cent of people who are economically inactive and left work in the last two to three years have a work limiting health condition. 

The analysis demonstrates how occupation, gender, and disability affect getting back to work. Occupational health (OH) provision is a key solution to this issue. SOM is calling for comprehensive OH coverage, with only 50 per cent of workers currently accessing OH.  

The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) is the organisation for healthcare professionals working in or with an interest in occupational health. It is concerned with: The protection of the health of people in the workplace; the prevention of occupational injuries and disease; related environmental issues. 

Steps from the Government 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. New Government consultations on OH and tax incentives on occupational health (OH) are welcomed and are currently open.

SOM hopes that publishing this data will support policy conversations to achieve universal OH coverage.

SOM CEO Nick Pahl said: “The historically high number of people off work long-term sick remains an immediate and pressing concern for the Government. Without investment in occupational health, these figures will continue to get worse. 

“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.”