Wellbeing | The UK's ill-health employment gap: What it means for businesses

The United Kingdom faces a significant challenge in integrating individuals with health conditions into the workforce. Recent research indicates that one in five UK workers (21%) report health limitations, ranking among the highest in the EU15. Moreover, the UK has one of the widest employment gaps between people with and without health conditions.

This growing divide is particularly concerning as the number of working-age people with long-term illnesses has reached record highs. Many individuals with health conditions are unable to access or remain in work due to a lack of employer support, insufficient flexibility or inaccessible workplace policies. As a result, businesses are missing out on valuable skills and the economy is experiencing lower workforce participation.