The number of people signed off work through long-term sickness hits record 2.8 million, figures reveal

Record-breaking numbers

The latest figures show that the number of people signed off work due to long-term sickness has reached a record high of over 2.8 million, marking an increase of 700,000 in the past three years.

Rising economic inactivity

Welfare Secretary Mel Stride highlighted that there are now 9.4 million economically inactive individuals aged 16 to 64 in the UK, the highest since 2012, post the 2008 financial crisis.

Challenges ahead

Ben Harrison from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University pointed out unresolved structural issues in the UK job market and emphasized the need to support those on long-term sick leave to secure sustainable employment.

Criticism and concerns

Critics have raised concerns about NHS waiting times affecting the return to work for some individuals, with Paul Nowak from the Trades Union Congress highlighting near-record NHS waiting lists and criticizing the government's approach towards those too ill to work.

Economic impact

The rise in average earnings has slowed to six per cent, and the unemployment rate has also increased to 4.2 per cent, the highest in six months. Welfare Secretary Mel Stride emphasized the government's back-to-work plan to address long-term sickness-related inactivity and boost the economy.