Record numbers off work due to long-term illness, finds new research

One in 16 of the UK’s working age population (16-64 years old) is off work due to long-term illness, the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) has revealed.

The organisation representing occupational health professionals has released the results of a new study into how ill-health is affecting the UK’s working population. “Understanding Recent Trends in Ill-Health Driven Fallout from the UK Job Market” provides a comprehensive picture of the current health challenges experienced by UK workers through the analysis of data trends.

Of the 41.6 million people in the UK of working age, 2.5 million (1 in 16 people) are economically inactive due to long-term sickness, while more than 11 million are living with illness and health conditions that affect their ability to work. Furthermore, of the 4 million people living with mental health conditions only 2 million are employed.

SOM’s analysis also highlighted how occupation, gender, and disability affects getting back to work. The research found women across all age groups are becoming economically inactive at a faster rate than men, while young men aged 16-24 have seen sharp increases in mental health issues. Occupations with low ability to work remotely have also seen people more likely to leave due to their health.

SOM hopes that publishing this data will support policy conversations and invites government to advance work to address the historically high numbers of people off work. Government consultations are now live on occupational health (OH) and tax incentives for businesses to offer OH.

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.”