Over the last decade, ill health among the working-age population has continued to increase in the UK. In 2023, 3.9 million people in paid work reported a work-limiting health condition. This number is up by 1.5 million from a decade ago. Since 2020, ill health has also become the main reason why people are out of work.   

A new report from Learning and Work Institute for the Commission for Healthier Working Lives sets out what we know about what works to support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. The report draws on findings from an evidence review and expert roundtables and considers the evidence across three domains. 

Protecting health and wellbeing while at work  

This covers effective interventions that protect and improve the health of the working-age population while in work. Job quality and the workplace environment can have a significant impact on the health of someone in work. Work itself can contribute to ill health, due to factors such as insecure employment, increased work demands, and harmful work environments.  

Supporting people with work-limiting conditions to remain in work 

This focuses on the policies and interventions that are effective at reducing the number of people leaving work due to health issues. There are a range of circumstances where people are no longer able to work. However, for most people, the primary goal should be supporting someone to remain attached to work – either in their existing role or in a new role or workplace.  

Supporting people out of work due to ill health to find and keep sustainable employment 

This focuses on effective employment support for people out of work due to long-term health conditions. It also explores policies and interventions designed to change employers’ behaviours to make it easier for employees to access employment.  

In addition to the evidence, the report sets out the key policy changes required to improve the system of support for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.