The UK is facing a silent health crisis as a record 2.5 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness, according to new data. For every 13 people currently employed, one is long-term sick, a trend that economists warn is starting to impact productivity and long-term growth.
Flic, a former NHS children's physiotherapist, contracted long Covid and now requires help with basic tasks. 'I was very independent. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Now I need help washing my hair,' she said. Her story reflects a broader issue: the number of people not working due to health problems has reached a new high, with 400,000 more people out of the workforce than before the pandemic.
Tony Wilson, director at the Institute for Employment Studies, said: 'People being off work is inevitably going to be bad for business and the economy. If firms can't meet demand because they have to fill jobs, it might mean they have to pay people more to fill those jobs or close their business down.' He added that 'presenteeism'—working while sick—is worse than being off sick, as it prolongs illness.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) notes that work-limiting health problems have been rising since before the pandemic. In 2016, 15.4% of 16- to 64-year-olds reported such issues, rising to 16.4% in 2019 and 18.1% in 2022—roughly 7.5 million people. Conditions include mental health issues, back and neck pains linked to home working, and post-viral fatigue, including long Covid.
Tom Pollard, head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, warned of 'knock-on costs' from long-term sickness. 'It tends to snowball as the longer people are out of work the longer it takes to get back into the office. It's a tough cycle to break,' he said. The government has introduced changes to health-related benefits and universal credit in the March budget to address the worker shortage.
Despite a drop in overall inactivity to 21%—the lowest in three years—the rise in long-term sickness remains a concern. Experts advise proper workstation setup and regular breaks to prevent musculoskeletal issues, which are on the rise due to home working. Employers are legally required to protect workers' health and safety.
