According to official statistics, the number of days lost due to respiratory and asthmatic illnesses has increased by 153% since 2020.
In a written response to the House of Lords in which the UK Statistics Authority, provided the figures, it was revealed that the number of days lost due to respiratory illnesses rose from 6.4 millions in 2020 to 16,2 million in 2022.
In the same period, figures showed that the percentage of days lost due to respiratory illnesses rose from 5,5% to 8,7%.
The figures are not enough to prove a causal connection, but respiratory illness is one of the main symptoms of Covid. It has been estimated that Covid affects almost two million people and costs the UK billions of pounds in lost productivity.
Asthma + Lung UK has pointed out that the figures show that there have been repeated failures in the care of people with respiratory diseases.
Last month , it published a report that slammed the UK for its “diabolical record” on lung health. It highlighted how people who needed emergency hospital care due to breathing problems often had to visit A&E up to five times before they were properly treated.
Jonathan Blades of , the head of policy for the charity, told The Times newspaper about the latest figures: “At its core, the problem is poor care that leads to worsening of health and a spiralling of emergency hospital visits.”
According to the newspaper, respiratory illnesses will account for 24,1% of the average number of working days lost in 2024.
Sarah Sleet is the chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK. She said that based on their research into A&E visits: “People who have lung conditions shouldn’t have to fight just to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.” We must turn the dial back on illness by adopting a long-term and cohesive approach to prevent.
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
Personnel Today has the latest HR job openings.
Browse Human Resources Jobs
