Over 300,000 workers leave jobs annually due to health conditions, report reveals

The Commission for Healthier Working Lives released its final report, highlighting that 8.2 million working-age people in the UK had long-term health issues limiting their ability to work.

Although employment rates for this group had improved, only half were in employment, and each year over 300,000 people left the workforce due to health problems.

The report outlined the economic benefits of supporting people with health conditions to stay in work.

It suggested that a proactive approach could have prevented over 100,000 people from leaving the workforce in the following five years, potentially saving the Government more than £1bn.

Key recommendations included adopting best practices for prevention, providing early and integrated support, and incentivising preventative measures.

Record numbers of workers faced ill health, notably musculoskeletal and mental health issues, impacting individuals and employers.

The Commission was set up by the Health Foundation to advocate for Government and employer action on this pressing issue.

Their report included seven recommendations for change, detailing barriers faced by employers, social security issues, and international successes.