The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) today released the
first in-depth study into the impact of ill-health on the UK’s
working population, “Understanding Recent Trends in
Ill-Health Driven Fallout from the UK Job Market”.
Launched following Occupational Health
Awareness Week (18-24th September), the report analyses
data trends - providing a comprehensive picture of the current
health challenges experienced by the UK workforce.
Key findings include:
- Long-term sickness in women across
all age groups has been rising since 2014, with women becoming
economically inactive at a higher rate than men.
- An increase in economic inactivity
in young men, aged 16 to 24, with sharp increases in mental
health issues.
- Occupations with a low ability to
work from home are more likely to see people leave the workforce
due to long-term sickness.
- Pressures in health and social care
delivery, including the impact of COVID-19, has led to backlogs
for treatment and worsening health outcomes.
- The UK has an ageing population,
high rates of excess weight, and alcohol consumption and a legacy
of smoking, resulting in long-term physical and mental health
problems.
Of the 41.6 million people in the UK of working age (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 4 million people living with mental health conditions only
2 million are employed. Nearly 60 percent 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
affects 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 percent of workers currently accessing
OH.
Government 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. 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.”
ENDS
About SOM
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.
SOM stimulates research and works with the government, the
healthcare community, health charities and other bodies to
promote a healthier workforce. It also acts as the voice of
occupational health (OH), responding to consultative documents
and media enquiries. A national leader in providing continued
professional development and education for all healthcare
professionals working in OH, it is a forum for the exchange of
ideas, best practice, and networking opportunities.
