Musculoskeletal health conditions have a devastating impact on individuals and bring costs to the economy; action is needed from the government.
An interesting article by Margaret Greenwood MP who also took a debate on musculoskeletal conditions and employment to Parliament.
Research from the charity Versus Arthritis suggests that over 20 million people in the UK – around a third of the population – live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition.
It is estimated that one in 10 employees in the UK suffer from one.
They include things like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic fractures, osteoarthritis and a range of conditions that cause pain in the lower back, the neck and parts of the arms and legs.
Living with an MSK condition can be devastating for those affected, causing pain, reduced mobility and diminished self-confidence. It can also lead to extended periods of absence from work, and in some cases, people can be forced to give up work altogether, leaving them unemployed and impoverished.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), such conditions accounted for 6.6 million working days lost in Great Britain in 2022-23 – the second highest cause of work-related ill health after stress, depression or anxiety. Clearly, they can bring substantial costs to the state in the form of social security and NHS spending.
To view the full article please visit – https://parliamentnews.co.uk/musculoskeletal-health-conditions-have-a-devastating-impact-on-individuals-and-bring-costs-to-the-economy-we-need-action-from-government
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