Economists have raised concerns about the challenges posed by long-term sickness and economic inactivity for the government. Official data has shown a significant increase in the number of people out of work due to long-term illness, reaching record levels. The Office of National Statistics reported that from December 2023 to February 2024, there were 2,829 million long-term sick individuals in the UK, representing a substantial rise compared to the previous quarter.
The economic inactivity rate, which measures the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 not participating in the labor force, has also seen a surge in the latest quarter. This increase was primarily driven by individuals inactive due to long-term illness and students, particularly those aged 16 to 34 years. The number of individuals out of the workforce due to long-term health issues has been steadily rising since the pandemic years, with the latest figures showing rates above pre-pandemic levels.
Despite these challenges, there has been a 2.1 percent growth in regular real wages among those still employed, providing a silver lining in the current economic landscape. However, Charlie McCurdy from the Resolution Foundation highlighted broader issues concerning the health of the UK workforce, emphasizing the importance of addressing rising inactivity for the government.
Looking ahead, the government’s commitment to increasing life expectancy by five years by 2035 as part of the levelling up agenda faces obstacles, with the Health Foundation projecting persistent health inequalities over the next two decades. Inequalities in diagnosed illnesses by socioeconomic deprivation are expected to worsen, with conditions like chronic pain, type 2 diabetes, and anxiety projected to increase disproportionately in the most deprived areas.
The Health Foundation also highlighted the disproportionate impact of poor health on working-age individuals in the poorest areas, urging a focus on prioritizing good health through secure jobs, adequate incomes, decent housing, and quality education. Mental health has emerged as a significant factor driving young people out of work, with one in five individuals aged 18-24 reported to be unemployed due to mental health issues between 2018 and 2022.
Addressing mental health challenges, particularly among young non-graduates, is crucial to mitigating the economic consequences of poor mental health. The Resolution Foundation emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, recognizing its impact on work opportunities for young individuals beyond the university setting. Please rewrite this sentence.
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