An Independent Commission for Healthier Working Lives, supported by the Health Foundation, is being established to investigate the issue of declining health in the UK workforce and recommend action that can be taken by both the government and employers.

Ill health among working-age people has dramatically increased over the last decade, to the point where it is now impacting economic growth. The Health Foundation estimates 3.7 million people are now in work, but struggling with a health condition which limits what they can do and how much they can earn.

This is a similar number to those with work-limiting conditions who are not working, making a total of around 7.4m people who are not living full lives and not fully contributing to the economy or being self-sustaining economically.

Statistics show that women, older workers, those who are not university educated and those of Bangladeshi ethnicity, are most likely to have a work-limiting condition, with cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders being the most common.

In addition, rates have doubled among younger workers over the last decade, driven by increasing levels of mental illness.

Dr Jennifer Dixon, CEO of The Health Foundation believes a long-term plan is needed, saying: “For too long, health challenges in our working-age populations have been overlooked. Our health is an asset which needs investing in and being unable to work, or having to work and earn less, can affect our health and worsen inequalities. The impact of poor working-age health on public finances cannot be ignored either.”

The independent Commission will be chaired by Sacha Romanovitch OBE, with a secretariat provided by the Health Foundation. Commissioners and partners will be announced over the coming months.

The Commission will partner with expert organisations, engage with employers, trade unions and other stakeholders to understand the challenge and build a consensus on action.

A final report is expected in 2025.

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