Longest sustained rise in people too sick to work since 1990s, says thinktank
GuardianMAR 2024
Report: UK Faces Sickness-Related Employment Crisis
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The Spin
Right narrative
The UK should be wary about its benefits system, which encourages people not to return to work and claim health-related benefits instead. The extraordinary rise in disability benefits claims has weakened the economy, crippled the exchequer, and caused enormous strains on the NHS.
Left narrative
A benefits crackdown is unlikely to solve the UK's jobless crisis. Only improved mental health and musculoskeletal care infrastructure, shortened NHS waiting lists, and extensive budget measures to boost the labor force can help tackle the country's economic inactivity challenge.