New figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that 2.8 million people are not looking for work because of health problems, up from a previous estimate of 2.6 million, and are more likely to be infected with coronavirus. This is a one-third increase compared to 2.1 million people before the pandemic.
As economics editor of the Guardian, larry elliott, To tell hannah moore This is a shocking increase, and each of these people has a unique and often complex situation. There is no easy fix. However, this situation did not suddenly appear out of nowhere. While it is clear that the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on physical and mental health, many of the underlying trends have been evident for decades. And since the Conservatives came to power in 2010, the length of NHS waiting lists has tripled.
We hear from two people who were forced out of work due to health problems, depressed because of it, and furious at being labeled “generational sick” by some in the media.
On Wednesday, Jeremy Hunt is expected to table his final budget before the general election. Will he do anything to address his growing long-term illness?
Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
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