Why is health-related economic inactivity on the rise?

October 12, 2026 - 08:15

The number of working age people in the UK who are dropping out of the labour market due to illness has climbed faster than in comparable nations. This trend has serious consequences for the economy, for public finances, and for the individuals who find themselves cut off from employment not by choice but by condition.

Two distinct patterns sit behind the overall figure. Among younger workers, mental health problems that limit the ability to work have become more common. Anxiety, depression, and related conditions now account for a growing share of those who report being unable to hold down a job. For older workers, the picture is different. Musculoskeletal issues, including chronic back pain, joint problems, and repetitive strain injuries, remain a leading cause of early exit from the workforce.

Any serious policy response has to address both groups on their own terms. Mental health support, timely treatment, and workplace adjustments matter for younger people. For older workers, access to physiotherapy, pain management, and flexible working arrangements could make the difference between staying in a job and leaving for good.

Without targeted action, the UK risks locking thousands of people out of work permanently. That outcome would harm not only those individuals but also the wider economy, which loses their skills, their tax contributions, and their spending power. Understanding why this is happening is the first step. Acting on it is the harder part.