Working It cover image

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.
18:06

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Quick takeaways

  • The rising long-term sickness claims among young adults are largely attributed to mental health issues, necessitating a nuanced workplace approach.
  • Economic pressures from increasing health-related benefits highlight the need for collaborative strategies to support employee mental health and encourage workforce participation.

Deep dives

The Rise of Long-Term Sickness in Young Adults

The increase in long-term sickness claims among young adults is becoming increasingly concerning, particularly in the UK, where mental health issues are a significant factor. Despite the rise in claims related to long-term health problems, the overall unemployment rate among this demographic has not seen a corresponding increase. This suggests that many young individuals who are not working may now attribute their status to mental health challenges rather than to traditional unemployment. Hence, framing and understanding these health-related issues within the workforce context is essential for addressing the root causes effectively.

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