Teh UK’s employment landscape for individuals with long-term ill health or disabilities has been revealed as one of the worst among 15 pre-2004 EU member states, according to a recent report by the Institute for employment Studies (IES).The study, commissioned by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, highlights stark disparities in employment outcomes for those with health limitations, placing the UK at the bottom of the EU15 group in several key areas.
The report, titled work and health: international comparisons with the UK, analyzed data from the EU15, which includes countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and Sweden.It found that the UK has one of the highest reported rates of health limitations among individuals aged 16–64. Moreover, the employment gap between those with and without health limitations is among the widest in the EU15, underscoring systemic challenges in supporting workers with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Between 2018 and 2022,the UK saw a troubling trend: the likelihood of being out of work for young people aged 16–24 with health limitations more than doubled. This contrasts with a general decline in employment rates for people with health limitations across the EU15 during the same period. While most EU15 countries experienced a decrease in unemployment for older workers aged 55–64, the UK bucked the trend, with an increase in joblessness for this demographic.
Jonny Gifford, principal research fellow at the IES, emphasized the gravity of the findings: “The UK consistently ranks poorly on the employment outcomes of people with long-term ill health. The UK’s situation has worsened post-pandemic in a way not seen in comparable European countries. There is a compelling case that the UK can and should improve how it supports people with ill health and disabilities to find and stay in good quality work.”
The report’s findings raise urgent questions about the UK’s approach to workplace inclusivity and support for vulnerable workers. As the country grapples with the lingering effects of the pandemic, the need for targeted interventions to bridge the employment gap has never been more critical.
Key Findings at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Metric | UK Performance | EU15 Comparison |
|—————————————–|————————————————————————————|————————————————————————————|
| Health limitations (ages 16–64) | One of the highest rates in the EU15 | Lower rates in most EU15 countries |
| Employment gap (with/without health) | Among the widest in the EU15 | Narrower gaps in comparable countries |
| Youth unemployment (ages 16–24) | More than doubled between 2018 and 2022 | General decline in employment rates across the EU15 |
| Older workers (ages 55–64) | Increased likelihood of being out of work | Decreased likelihood in most EU15 countries |
The UK’s poor performance in these areas highlights a pressing need for policy reforms and employer initiatives to create a more inclusive labor market. As Gifford notes, the post-pandemic era presents both a challenge and an opportunity to rethink how the UK supports its workforce, particularly those facing health-related barriers.
For more insights into the report’s findings,explore the full Work and health: international comparisons with the UK.
Bridging the Gap: A Deep Dive into the UK’s Employment Challenges for Individuals with Health Limitations
In a recent report by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), the UK’s employment landscape for individuals with long-term ill health or disabilities has been revealed as one of the worst among pre-2004 EU member states. The study, commissioned by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, highlights stark disparities in employment outcomes, underscoring systemic challenges in supporting workers with health limitations.To unpack the findings and explore potential solutions, we sat down with Dr. Eleanor Carter, a leading expert in labor market inclusivity and workplace health.
The State of Employment for Individuals with Health Limitations in the UK
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, the report paints a concerning picture of the UK’s performance in this area.Could you summarize the key findings for our readers?
Dr.Carter: Absolutely. The report shows that the UK has one of the highest rates of reported health limitations among individuals aged 16–64 in the EU15. Moreover,the employment gap between those with and without health limitations is among the widest in this group.between 2018 and 2022, the likelihood of young people aged 16–24 with health limitations being out of work more than doubled, while older workers aged 55–64 also saw an increase in joblessness. These trends are in stark contrast to the general decline in unemployment for individuals with health limitations across most EU15 countries during the same period.
Why the UK Lags Behind
Senior Editor: What factors contribute to the UK’s poor performance in this area compared to its European peers?
Dr. Carter: There are several systemic issues at play. First, the UK has historically struggled with integrating individuals with health limitations into the labor market, often due to insufficient workplace accommodations and support systems. Additionally, the report highlights that the UK’s approach to disability benefits and employment support has not kept pace with other EU15 countries, which have implemented more progressive policies.Post-pandemic, these challenges have been exacerbated, as the UK has not adopted the same level of targeted interventions seen in countries like Germany or Sweden.
The Impact of the Pandemic
Senior Editor: How has the pandemic influenced these trends?
dr. Carter: The pandemic has deepened existing inequalities. While many EU15 countries used the crisis as an opportunity to strengthen support for vulnerable workers,the UK saw a worsening of employment outcomes for individuals with health limitations. This is notably evident among young people and older workers, who have faced increased barriers to re-entering the workforce. The lack of a coordinated response to address these disparities has left many individuals behind.
The Role of Employers and Policymakers
Senior Editor: What steps can employers and policymakers take to improve the situation?
dr. Carter: Employers play a critical role in creating inclusive workplaces. This includes providing reasonable accommodations, fostering a culture of understanding, and offering flexible working arrangements. On the policy side,there’s a need for reform to ensure that employment support programs are more accessible and effective. Learning from successful models in countries like Denmark and Sweden, where proactive measures have significantly reduced the employment gap, could provide a roadmap for the UK.
A Path Forward
Senior Editor: What message would you like to leave our readers with?
Dr. Carter: The report underscores the urgent need for action. Improving the employment outcomes of individuals with health limitations isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic one. By addressing these disparities, the UK can unlock the potential of a critically importent portion of its workforce.The post-pandemic era presents a unique opportunity to rethink and rebuild systems that support all workers, ensuring no one is left behind.
Conclusion
Dr. Carter’s insights highlight the critical need for policy reforms and employer initiatives to bridge the employment gap for individuals with health limitations in the UK. As the country navigates the post-pandemic landscape, targeted interventions and a commitment to inclusivity will be key to creating a more equitable labor market. For a deeper understanding of the report’s findings,explore the full Work and Health: international Comparisons with the UK.
