UK Faces Potential Loss of 600,000 Workers Due to Health Issues

An alarming report reveals 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 staff wellbeing. This warning comes from the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH), which estimates that more than 3.3 million adults will become economically inactive by 2035, costing the UK economy approximately £36 billion annually.

The projected increase in workforce inactivity, estimated at 26%, is equivalent to the total population of the city of Bristol exiting the labor market. The RSPH is advocating for a comprehensive reevaluation of workplace practices to better accommodate individuals suffering from conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, and cardiovascular diseases.

In anticipation of the forthcoming Keep Britain Working review, set to be published later this month, the RSPH emphasizes the urgent need for employers to adopt a proactive approach to health management. The independent review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, is expected to present several recommendations aimed at enhancing the role of UK employers and the government in addressing health-related inactivity and fostering 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. We need a fundamental shift in how we see the role of employers in keeping people healthy backed up by a national standard that covers all UK employees.”

The RSPH is calling for a range of initiatives, including the establishment of a national health and work standard. This would ensure that every UK worker is entitled to a minimum level of health support within their workplace. Sam Atwell, policy and research manager at the Health Foundation, underscored the necessity of addressing the declining health of the working-age population. He remarked, “The only sustainable way to meet this challenge is to keep people healthy and in work for longer.”

The upcoming review presents a critical opportunity for the government and employers to implement early interventions regarding workforce health. Atwell advocates for clearer standards and a roadmap to enhance access to specialist caseworker support, which would assist individuals in maintaining their health and staying engaged in the workforce.

Previous RSPH analyses indicate that nearly half of the UK workforce lacks access to basic health support services, such as seasonal flu vaccinations and cardiovascular disease screenings. Jamie O’Halloran, senior research fellow at the Health Foundation, emphasized the importance of leveraging employer involvement to reduce economic inactivity and increase employment rates. He noted that such initiatives would benefit both the government and employers through lower turnover rates, diminished presenteeism, and improved productivity.

O’Halloran stated, “We believe this requires raising the minimum standards of support for employees across all workplaces, while also helping and encouraging businesses to go further. Investing in staff – especially in line managers – benefits both employees and employers. It improves workers’ health and wellbeing while strengthening the overall health and performance of the business.”

In response to these findings, a government spokesperson remarked, “Good work is good for health and good for the economy. Through our 10-year health plan, we’re shifting from sickness to prevention and helping frontline staff like GPs and physiotherapists to get patients the personalized support they need to get back to work. The upcoming Keep Britain Working review is also looking at how employers can support employee health and create more inclusive workplaces.”

The spokesperson concluded, “Everyone we can help stay in or return to work isn’t just transforming their own life – they’re contributing to our communities, economic growth, and building the healthier, more prosperous nation we all want to see.”

As the UK navigates these challenges, the emphasis on workplace health and support systems will be crucial in shaping a resilient and productive workforce for the future.