 Today, we have published an article exploring the rise in working-age adults who are out of the labour market (or “economically inactive”) because of long-term sickness. Since 2019, the number of people in this category has risen by almost 500,000, to around 2.5 million.
Between 2019 and 2022, the health condition which increased the most among people who were economically inactive because of long-term sickness was “other health conditions and disabilities”. This category could include symptoms related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), but this is probably only one of many factors contributing to the increase. Problems connected with the back and neck, and mental illness and nervous disorders also increased.
Most of those who became long-term sick between 2021 and 2022 (69%) were already inactive for another reason, such as looking after family or the home. Almost a fifth (19%) were in employment.
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