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UK economic inactivity due to sickness could spiral to 4.3 million towards the end of this decade, a health report has warned
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And these numbers of people out of work and not participating in the economy risks an unthinkable human and economic cost, one expert has warned
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So what's going on? Since the pandemic, an additional 900,000 people are now out of work with long-term sickness, a total of 2.8 million Brits
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At current rates, this could hit 4.3 million by the end of this Parliament in 2029
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What's more? Those 900,000 missing workers equates up to 5 billion in lost tax receipts
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Equivalent to almost a quarter of the 22 billion black hole in the public purse
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the Chancellor and Prime Minister, keep reminding us of. What can we do then? Well, one group of experts and researchers are calling for a fundamental rethink of UK health policy
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The Institute for Public Policy Research, which often advises labour, ran a cross-party commission on health and prosperity over the past three years
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Experts including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and formatory health minister Lord James Bethel found the UK health crisis is linked to our faltering economy They argue generational changes including a focus on prevention could help solve many of Britain urgent economic challenges
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including low growth and productivity. And what have the government said? Health Secretary West Streeting has backed the inquiry
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and said he wanted to make the Department of Health a Department for Growth. He added, we won't build a healthy economy without a healthy society
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And Chris Thomas, head of the Commission, said we face a pronounced health crisis with unthinkable human and economic
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cost. But some of the report's recommendations may prove controversial. It argues for taxes on
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so-called health polluters, such as tobacco, alcohol and fast food firms, and the creation of a
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new health index like GDP. Starman has reportedly not ruled out an outdoor smoking ban in pub
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gardens, but the hospitality industry has already warned it risks serious economic harm
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Here at City AM, we'd like to know, are you concerned about rising economic inactivity
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And how do you think the government should address the UK's health challenges? Let us know your
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thoughts in the comments
