- 2.8 million off work, ill
- Mental, musculoskeletal issues prevalent
- Economic inactivity rising
According to the data, chronic fatigue, mental health issues, and back problems are frequently cited as the primary reasons for unemployment among the British population.
The Office for National Statistics reports that a record 2.8 million individuals are classed as having a chronic illness.
This number, representing 6.6% of the nation’s 16- to 64-year-old population, is more than double the 1.3 million individuals who were officially registered as unemployed from September to November of the previous year.
Consequently, 9.3 million Britons are currently “economically inactive.”
Although the most recent ONS report does not specify the reasons why an increasing number of Britons are unemployed, separate data from the previous year unveiled the prevalent factors.
Approximately 320,000 individuals who were unable to participate in the workforce due to a chronic health condition cited mental illness, including anxiety and other nervous disorders, as the primary cause.
An equivalent percentage attribute it to anxiety, nervousness, or depression (315,000).
This number increased by 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels, as lockdowns and the repercussions of Covid-19 instigated a surge in such issues.
Since the onset of the pandemic, musculoskeletal disorders have escalated by over 25%, becoming the second leading cause of economic inactivity.
Conditions affecting the limbs or hands (115,000), legs or feet (193,000), and back or neck (285,000) are included.
However, the majority of individuals suffer from unspecified “other” health or disability issues.
The assemblage comprises individuals who have been afflicted with long-lasting Covid symptoms, which encompass cognitive impairment and muscular discomfort.
In March, an estimated two million Britons were afflicted with the condition. However, this count is subject to dispute due to its reliance on self-reported information.
The figures, which were released by the ONS in July, represent the primary ailment reported by the long-term ill.
Rising Challenge of Long-Term Illness
38% of the 937,000 economically inactive population indicated that they suffer from five or more health conditions.
This indicates that many have “interconnected and complex health issues,” according to the ONS.
Yesterday, updated data revealed that only 641,000 of the 2.8 million individuals on long-term medical leave wished to be employed.
An individual is considered economically inactive by the ONS if they are unemployed, have not actively sought employment for the past four weeks, and/or are unable to start work within the following two weeks.
Since 2019, the prevalence of long-term illnesses has consistently increased and is now at an all-time high.
The government calls employees who miss work for more than four weeks long-term sick.
Hannah Slaughter of Resolution Foundation says Britain’s workforce is larger and more ill than thought.
A record 2.8 million Americans are immobilized due to poor health.
“Attaining pre-pandemic levels of employment in the United Kingdom and addressing the escalating prevalence of illness will be enormous social and economic challenges throughout the 2020s.”
Critics want the government to address the issue to eliminate the idea that the nation is sick.
Challenging “Sick Note Britain” Perception
John O’Connell, of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, remarked, “It’s easy to see why we’re dubbed ‘sick note Britain’: nearly three million individuals are unable to work as a result of chronic illness.”
“Rather than being regarded as a viable substitute for work, welfare is frequently regarded as a safety net for individuals who experience financial hardship.”
“Reestablishing employment is beneficial not only for taxpayers but also for the individuals involved. Therefore, ministers must confront this issue directly in order to prevent the expenses from escalating significantly.”
This occurs in the context of a rising prevalence of chronic diseases. At least one long-term health problem affects 36% of working-age people, up from 31% in the first quarter of 2019.
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Expert opinion has led to 7.6 million NHS patients waiting for standard hospital treatments.
The proliferation of remote work since the conclusion of the pandemic has been cited by some. They see it as a contributing factor to the escalation of muscle, back, and joint ailments.
Musculoskeletal issues can result from poor posture and lack of movement and exercise. Such as not walking to work or around the office, according to experts.
