New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 2.55 million people in the UK, a new record level, are not working due to long-term sickness. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more than 400,000 additional people outside the labour market due to ill health. There has been a noticeable increase in conditions related to mental ill health, especially in younger people, and an increase in musculoskeletal issues, possibly due to home working. An increase in the category including post-viral fatigue may also be related to COVID-19.

 

Between January and March 2023, the employment rate increased to 75.9%. This was driven by more part-time employees and self-employed workers. The inactivity rate, which is the key measure of people not in work, reduced to 21%. However, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9%.

 

The figures have also shown that public sector pay is growing at the fastest pace for around 20 years, while the squeeze on pay remains elsewhere because wage increases fail to keep up with rising prices.

For employers struggling to know how to best deal with long-term sickness, WorkSmarter are here to help...