Employee health | 300,000 people leaving the workforce through ill health each year

New analysis shows that each year around 300,000 people aged 16–64 have left the workforce and report having a work-limiting health condition. Once out of the workforce, these individuals are nearly three times less likely to return to employment than those in good health.

The findings are part of an interim report by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, which was established by the Health Foundation to address the growing challenges of working-age ill health. Drawing on insights from employers, experts and the public, the report highlights the need for a new approach to help people with health conditions remain in or return to work.