Marvin OnumonuThe 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.
Proposed changes involved reforming statutory sick pay, introducing a ‘vocational rehabilitation benefit’, and a caseworker-led service to offer timely support while individuals were still in employment.
The report emphasised the need for long-term commitment to protect health and employment, with a call to action amid an ageing population and rising mental health challenges.
