Tackling rising ill-health in the UK is key to delivering on the government’s aim of boosting economic growth, according to a report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR).
The report predicts that economic inactivity due to sickness could reach 4.3 million by the end of the next parliament unless action is taken.
In order to address this the think tank is calling from the government to invest £15bn a year, into what it descries as a ‘radical series of reforms’ to improve wellbeing, reduce absence and boost productivity in the workplace. It says that the health issues in the UK have reached “historic proportions’.
This is the final report in the IPPR’s three year commission on health and prosperity in the UK.
The IPPR says that as well as holding back economic growth, rising ill health, particularly among the working age population was also contributing to regional inequality in the UK.
The report argues that the UK needs to move from a ‘sickness model’ of health policy, to a ‘health creation’ model. It says that the term the ‘sick man of Europe’ has often been used to describe economic malaise, but this has now become “a more literal reality” for the UK. It concludes that investing more money in better health policies is the medicine needed to address the economic issues, while also making a material different to the lives of many living in the UK.
The report set outs five foundational pillars of this new health agenda, which include calling for the government to set out a workplace and industrial strategy in relation to health.
As part of its recommendations the IPPR also calls for higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food, free school meals, the creation of ‘health and prosperity improvement zones’ in the most health-deprived areas – and a new ‘right to try’ work for those on health or disability benefits. This would enable those on these benefits to ‘try’ work for a set period of time, with no risk to their welfare status.
The report said that when compared to other developed G7 nations, the UK is ranked sixth for life expectancy, health spending and avoidable mortality. More than a quarter of people were obese, six times higher than in Japan.
Commenting on the report Canada Life managing director for group protection Dan Crook says: “The final report of the IPPR Commission on Health and Prosperity underscores the significant health challenges the UK faces, alongside the urgent need for innovative strategies to revitalise the economy.
“We are encouraged by the report’s focus on making healthier lives a cross-society mission, with an emphasis on the environments where people spend the majority of their time – particularly in workplaces.
“The Government, employers, and insurers all have a vital role to play, working together to enhance and sustain the wellbeing of the UK’s workforce. With our protection policies supporting over 3 million employees financially, emotionally, and practically, we see first-hand the crucial role protection plays in addressing and preventing health challenges. By working collaboratively, we can do even more to support both employers and employees, reduce workplace absence due to ill health, and ultimately drive productivity across the UK.”