Working It How to get the long-term sick back to work
Nov 19, 2024
In this discussion, John Burn-Murdoch, the FT’s chief data reporter, and Camilla Cavendish, a health policy expert and FT contributing editor, dive into the rising trend of long-term sickness among young adults. They explore the impact of mental health issues and disability claims on workforce productivity. The duo also highlights the challenges HR faces post-pandemic, including the balance between remote work and necessary in-person interactions. Their insights shed light on the urgent need for tailored support and systemic solutions in workplaces.
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UK Sickness Problem: A Reframing?
- The UK's long-term sickness problem appears severe, especially among young adults claiming disability benefits.
- However, the overall unemployment rate hasn't risen as drastically, suggesting a reframing of existing joblessness through mental health.
Causes of Long-Term Sickness
- Long-term sickness encompasses chronic conditions and mental health issues, which are increasing among young people.
- There's a blurring between serious mental health problems and post-pandemic anxieties like low confidence and panic attacks.
Overlapping Health Conditions
- Categorizing health issues is difficult due to overlaps between neurodivergence (ADHD, autism) and depression/anxiety.
- These overlapping conditions complicate data analysis and employer responses, as prognoses vary.