Health support needed to tackle joblessness | Letter

2026-02-17 - 18:03

Health-centred approaches that help individuals stay in or return to work are needed, says Nick Pahl The alarming rise in economic inactivity highlighted in your report (UK sleepwalking into joblessness epidemic, Tesco boss warns, 10 February) underlines a public health issue as much as an economic one. It is increasingly clear that millions of working-age people are drifting out of the labour market not through choice but because of long-term health problems and inadequate support systems around them. Tackling worklessness requires proactive, health-centred approaches that help individuals stay in or return to work. We also know that time out of work is corrosive. Good quality work improves physical and mental wellbeing, providing income, social connection and purpose, and protects against social exclusion. Continue reading...