Britain has too many sick workers and it’s holding back the economy

The latest labour market data from the ONS showed a record 2.5 million people were economically inactive due to ill health – forcing them into unsuitable roles won’t do anything to help, argues James Moore

How do we get some Britons back to work? (PA)

Welcome to sick Britain. The Office for National Statistics has released the results of its latest application of a thermometer to the labour market. They weren’t altogether happy.

The number of people branded as “economically inactive” – a category that includes everyone from students, to carers, to those too sick to work – fell during the most recent period (December to February). The jobs market also softened a little. With employers under considerable pressure, vacancies fell. There were also 220,000 more people looking for work year on year. The employment rate crept up to 75.8 per cent (good) but unemployment also rose, to 3.8 per cent from 3.7 per cent (bad). It should be said that is still low by historical standards.

The cause of the increased number of people seeking work was chiefly an influx of students into the workplace. Those economically inactive as a result of illness, however, hit a record high of 2.53 million. And yes, that is a horrible number. This category accounts for almost all the increase in inactivity recorded since 2020.