Employment People on long term sick feel written off
0In this video, we learn about the challenges faced by individuals on long-term sick leave and their experiences of feeling "written off" and "ashamed." Official data shows that the number of people not working due to long-term sickness remains at record levels in the UK. We hear personal stories from individuals like Emma and Nicola, who express their desire to return to work but face obstacles such as loss of self-esteem and limited opportunities that accommodate their health conditions.
The rise in long-term sickness is attributed to various factors, including mental health issues and back pain, potentially exacerbated by home working. The Office for National Statistics highlights the increase in post-viral fatigue, possibly linked to long-Covid, as well as rising cases of back and mental health issues. These trends have been further accelerated by the pandemic.
The economic impact of illness on businesses is significant, costing around £5 billion annually in the UK. There is a call for targeted government intervention to address this issue. The Welsh government acknowledges the need to support people with ill-health back into work through various initiatives, including the Out of Work Service aimed at aiding individuals recovering from mental ill-health and substance misuse.
The Department for Work and Pensions emphasizes the benefits of being in work for overall well-being and highlights their investment of £3.5 billion to help individuals with long-term illness start, stay, and succeed in employment. They also mention the availability of occupational sick pay and the financial support provided by Universal Credit.
Overall, the article sheds light on the experiences of those on long-term sick leave, the factors contributing to their situation, and the efforts being made to support their return to work and address the economic impact of illness.For more details, read the full article at: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-66201186