UK Risks Losing 600,000 Workers to Health Issues, Report Warns

A new report highlights a troubling trend in the UK workforce, predicting that an additional 600,000 workers will leave their jobs due to long-term health conditions over the next decade. The findings, released by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), emphasize the urgent need for employers to enhance support for employee wellbeing to prevent this significant loss.

According to the RSPH, more than 3.3 million adults are expected to become economically inactive by 2035, resulting in an estimated cost of £36 billion annually to the UK economy. This represents a projected increase of 26% in economic inactivity, equivalent to the entire population of the city of Bristol exiting the workforce.

The report urges a “fundamental shift” in workplace practices to better accommodate individuals suffering from conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, and cardiovascular diseases. The analysis precedes the Keep Britain Working review, which is set to be published this month. This independent review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, is expected to provide recommendations on how UK employers and the government can address health-related inactivity and promote healthier, more inclusive work environments.

William Roberts, Chief Executive of the RSPH, stated, “The UK’s productivity crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing our economy, and long-term health conditions in the workforce are a major factor in this.” He further emphasized that a national standard is necessary to ensure all UK employees receive adequate health support from their employers.

The RSPH’s recommendations include the establishment of a national health and work standard. This standard would create a baseline for the support that all workers should be entitled to, aiming to keep employees healthy and active in the workforce for a longer duration.

Sam Atwell, Policy and Research Manager at the Health Foundation, added, “The declining health of the working-age population is one of the biggest challenges facing government.” Atwell noted that maintaining workforce health is essential for sustainable economic growth. He described the upcoming review as a vital opportunity to recommend early interventions regarding workforce health, including clearer standards and increased access to specialist support.

Previous analyses by the RSPH have revealed that nearly half of the UK workforce lacks access to essential workplace health support, such as winter flu vaccinations and cardiovascular disease screenings. Jamie O’Halloran, Senior Research Fellow at the Health Foundation, highlighted the importance of engaging employers in tackling economic inactivity. He pointed out that doing so would not only benefit the government but would also lead to advantages for businesses, including lower staff turnover and increased productivity.

The UK government has acknowledged the importance of workforce health. A government spokesperson stated, “Good work is good for health and good for the economy.” They noted that the government’s 10-year health plan aims to transition from a focus on sickness to one of prevention. The spokesperson emphasized the role of frontline staff, such as GPs and physiotherapists, in providing personalized support to help patients return to work.

As the Keep Britain Working review approaches, the call for enhanced workplace health support underscores a crucial aspect of the UK’s economic future. The need for a coordinated effort involving both government and employers to address these health-related challenges has never been more pressing.