A fresh analysis has uncovered that work-related ill-health is draining more than £400 million from the UK economy each week.
The study, conducted for the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and based on data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), highlighted a significant surge in cumulative sick days lost due to poor health. Since 2010, the number has risen by a third, reaching 34 million annually.
These findings emerge just as the Employment Rights Bill returns to the House of Commons, with the government pledging to bolster workplace protections and job security.
However, business leaders have expressed concerns, warning that expanding employment rights and repealing anti-union laws could hinder economic growth.
Despite these concerns, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak argued that the new analysis underscores the necessity of the proposed employment reforms.
He asserted that stronger protections would not only enhance workers’ well-being but also drive economic productivity, which has remained stagnant since last year’s general election.
“Work-related ill-health is costing us hundreds of millions each week – that’s billions lost annually,” Nowak emphasised.
“The Employment Rights Bill is crucial. Clamping down on exploitative practices, such as zero-hours contracts, and providing greater job security will improve workers’ health, well-being, and productivity. It will also help more people stay in work.”
He further stressed that offering employees greater control over their work conditions would lead to a healthier and more satisfied workforce.
“We must move away from Britain’s failing low-rights, low-pay economic model that has dominated for the past 14 years,” he added.
Insecure Work on the Rise
The study estimated that work-related ill-health cost the UK economy £22 billion in 2023 alone.
The TUC also linked the increase in sick days to a significant rise in precarious employment. Between 2011 and 2023, the number of people in insecure jobs soared by a third, surpassing 4 million.
A separate report from the Commission for Healthier Working Lives further reinforced these findings, stating that poor-quality work can severely impact employee health.
“Most health conditions develop outside work, but for many, work itself is the primary cause,” the report noted.
“Persistent job insecurity, workplace discrimination, and excessive demands take a serious toll on workers’ health. In some cases, low-quality jobs can be more damaging than unemployment itself.”
With the government’s employment reforms under scrutiny, the debate continues over whether strengthening workers’ rights will provide the economic boost the UK urgently needs.
