The latest Action for Healthier Working Lives report by the Health Foundation sends a clear message: the UK’s working-age health crisis is growing — and inaction is no longer an option. Over 8.2 million people now live with work-limiting health conditions, and 300,000 leave the workforce each year due to ill health, often with little to no support to return.
Key messages include:
“Only 3%” of people return to work after being out of work for 12 months due to health conditions.
“£150bn/year” cost to UK employers due to poor workforce health.
The need to expand vocational rehabilitation and introduce a vocational rehabilitation benefit.
“Only 45%” of workers have access to vocational rehabilitation or occupational health services.
Insurers in other countries play a greater role in early return-to-work support.
Strong return-on-investment potential: new support models could help 100,000 people stay in work and save £1.1bn in 5 years.
The report’s call for early, personalised, and joined-up intervention.
The focus must shift from simply diagnosing illness to proactively addressing work and health challenges.
