UK Risks Losing 600,000 Workers to Illness Without Health Reforms

A new report warns that the United Kingdom could lose an additional 600,000 workers to long-term health conditions over the next decade unless there is a significant change in how employers support employee wellbeing. According to the analysis conducted by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH), more than 3.3 million adults are expected to become economically inactive by 2035, resulting in a potential annual cost of £36 billion to the UK economy.

The projected increase of 26% in economic inactivity is alarming, effectively representing the entire population of Bristol leaving the workforce. The RSPH emphasizes the urgent need for a recalibration of workplace policies to better support individuals suffering from conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, and cardiovascular diseases. These findings precede the upcoming Keep Britain Working review, which is set to be published this month.

Call for Fundamental Change in Workplace Health Support

The independent review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, is expected to provide a series of recommendations aimed at both UK employers and the government. These recommendations will focus on addressing health-related inactivity and fostering healthy, inclusive workplaces. 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.”

Roberts advocates for a fundamental shift in the perception of employer responsibilities regarding employee health. He calls for the establishment of a national standard that would ensure all UK employees receive adequate support for maintaining their health.

The RSPH has proposed a range of measures to improve workplace health support. Among these is the introduction of a national health and work standard, which would guarantee a baseline level of assistance for all workers. This initiative is crucial for tackling the declining health of the working-age population, as noted by Sam Atwell, policy and research manager at the Health Foundation. He emphasized the necessity of keeping people healthy and in work longer, suggesting that the upcoming review presents a vital opportunity for change.

Importance of Employer Engagement in Health Initiatives

Atwell further highlighted the need for early action on workforce health, recommending clearer standards and a roadmap for expanding access to specialized support, such as ‘caseworker’ assistance for employees. Previous research by the RSPH found that nearly half of the UK workforce lacks access to essential workplace health initiatives, including vaccinations and screenings for cardiovascular diseases.

According to Jamie O’Halloran, senior research fellow at the Health Foundation, involving employers in health support strategies is essential for reducing economic inactivity and improving employment rates. He noted that enhancing workplace health not only benefits the government but can also lead to lower staff turnover, reduced presenteeism, and improved productivity for employers.

A government spokesperson responded to the report, stating, “Good work is good for health and good for the economy.” They highlighted the ongoing 10-year health plan, which aims to shift from a focus on sickness to prevention. The spokesperson reinforced that the Keep Britain Working review will explore ways for employers to bolster employee health and create more inclusive workplaces.

As the UK faces the challenge of long-term health conditions impacting its workforce, the insights from this report underline the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to support employee wellbeing. The anticipated recommendations from the Keep Britain Working review may serve as a pivotal step towards addressing these pressing concerns, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce for the future.