Provided by RS Risk Solutions

Millions of UK Employees off work due to ill health

The number of people not working due to long-term sickness has reached a record high, according to official figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Specifically, the government department found that 2.55 million people were unable to work in the three months to March 2023 due to ill health. This represents 6% of the UKs working population and an increase of nearly 100,000 from the previous quarter.
The director of economic statistics at the ONS noted that there were “well over 400,000 more people outside the labour market due to ill health” since the covid-19 pandemic, including “an increase in the category that includes post viral fatigue.” This could point to long Covid-19 as a contributor to the large numbers of people who are off sick. However, a rise in mental health issues among young people and back and neck pain – perhaps caused by remote working – were also banned.

Worries for the economy
The number of UK employees off work with ill health may cause concern for the government. Specifically, the government had hoped to encourage people back into work following the great resignation-where employees left workplaces in droves following the pandemic. However, according to the latest ONS data, the number of employees on UK firms’ payrolls has decreased for the first time since February 2021.
In fact, the pay rolled employees estimate for April 2023 reveals a monthly fall of 136,000 in March’s amount.

Employer Action
In light of the ONS’ latest statistics, its critical for organisations of all types and sizes to evaluate their workforces’ well-being. In particular, it may be prudent to proactively raise health and safety topics, especially those concerning mental health and proper ergonomics, with employees. Although there isn’t a quick fix to long term ill-health, employers can implement several measures to improve the current position, bolster well-being and lower sickness absences.

Contact us for further well-being resources, including those relating to musculoskeletal health.