According to a new study, the UK ranks among the worst performing countries in terms of workplace health when it comes to people with disabilities or long-term illnesses.
Work & Health: International Comparisons with the UK compared 14 European nations and found that 1 in 5 UK workers (21%) has health limitations, one of the highest rates in the EU15.
According to the study the UK has also one of the largest employment gaps between those with and without health restrictions.
The UK also found that between 2018 and 2022, the probability of 16-24-year-olds with health restrictions being unemployed more than doubled. In the 55-64 age group, the likelihood that workers would be out of work because of ill health was lower in most EU15 nations, but higher in the UK.
The Commission for Healthier Working Lives was created to tackle the increasing challenges of working age ill health, and to support people with health conditions in their workplace.
The report provides useful insights for the recently-launched “Keep Britain Working”, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, and identifies specific policies and intervention from overseas which the UK could benefit from. These include: ensuring a healthy workplace, keeping people connected to the labour markets, and helping them back into employment.
The report highlights recommended measures such as working time limits through the Working Time Directive, which prevents exhaustion. It also includes employer incentives aimed at improving workplace health.
The UK fixed-rate system is replaced by a more generous and effective sick pay system, which is linked to the individual’s wage. Also recommended are workplace adjustments, expert advice and adaptation grants as well as employer incentives to hire disabled workers.
Jonny Gifford is a principal researcher at the Institute for Employment Studies. He said that the UK consistently ranks low in terms of the employment outcomes for people with long-term illness. The UK’s post-pandemic situation has worsened in a manner not seen in other comparable European countries. It is clear that the UK should and can improve its support for people with disabilities and ill-health in finding and keeping good quality jobs.
The chair of the Commission for Healthier Working Lives added that “the research shows the urgency for proactive and integrative policies which support individuals to stay healthy and at work.” The UK can only make significant progress if business and government work together. This will benefit people, businesses and society.
This report compares the UK with Austria, Belgium and Denmark. It also includes comparisons between France, Germany, Greece Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg Netherlands, Portugal Spain and Sweden.
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