News

Poor-quality work “worse for health than being unemployed”, says report

By on

1.7 million workers in Great Britain suffer from health conditions caused or made worse by their job – higher than before the pandemic, a new report has found.


Most health conditions develop outside work, but for a significant number of people, work itself is the cause, said the report produced by independent, cross-sector group, the Commission for Healthier Working Lives.

“Persistent insecurity, workplace discrimination and extreme demands take a serious toll on health,” it said.

“In some cases, poor-quality work is even worse for health than being unemployed.”

Other job features, such as long or irregular hours and night shifts, though sometimes unavoidable, can pose risks if not properly managed, it continues. They can for example increase the risk of anxiety, depression and other serious health issues.

Photograph: iStock

By 2040, it is thought that the number of working-age adults in England living with major illnesses will rise to 3.7 million, up from 3 million in 2019.

But many people could remain in work with better flexibility, job adjustments and timely support, says the report, titled Action for healthier working lives and published this week.

“We heard from a number of leading employers who are taking a comprehensive approach to workforce health by providing support for workers with health issues while considering broader factors like job design and leadership culture,” it said.

The timely report comes as the government’s Employment Rights Bill returned to Parliament for its report stage. MPs debated amendments on 11 March including new rights to request flexible work on day one of employment, a proposed ban on exploitative zero hours contracts and new family friendly rights, such as a right to unpaid bereavement leave.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has said: “We are turning the tide – with the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, boosting living standards and bringing with it an upgrade to our growth prospects and the reforms our economy so desperately needs.”

Action for healthier working lives report is here

Follow the passage of the Employment Rights Bill here

 

NEWS


Smiley Faces Istock 1070828464

Workers report having to engage in ‘emotional labour’ to remain positive, finds study on emerging technologies

By Belinda Liversedge on 29 August 2025

Emerging technologies have the potential to fundamentally reshape the world of work. These technologies can enhance productivity and, in many sectors, improve occupational safety and health (OSH) outcomes for workers. However, they may also introduce new risks that are difficult to anticipate and manage.



First Aid Istock MED Peopleimages

Lack of first aid skills leave a third of workers feeling powerless, finds St John Ambulance study

By Belinda Liversedge on 29 August 2025

Four in five employees genuinely care for colleagues, but couldn’t help them in an emergency such if they had a cardiac arrest or were severely bleeding, new research from St John Ambulance has found.



Surveillance Of Workers Istock 2212934429 OLEKSANDR KOZACHOK

HSE defends use of AI for protecting workers at AGM

By Belinda Liversedge on 12 August 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on work practices was a significant feature of HSE’s AGM in which the regulator presented on its work and priorities.