A recent analysis by the Health Foundation has revealed that a growing number of workers in the UK are facing health issues that are impacting their ability to perform their jobs. The study found that 12% of people currently employed, which amounts to 3.7 million individuals, have a “work-limiting” condition. This represents an increase from 8.5% a decade ago, equating to a rise of 1.4 million people. Notably, young workers have experienced a significant increase in ill-health affecting their work, with those aged 16 to 34 now reporting similar levels of health issues as middle-aged individuals did ten years ago.

The most common causes of work-limiting conditions were chronic illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems. The Health Foundation, a charity focused on improving health and care, has expressed concern over the magnitude of this issue and has established a commission of experts to further investigate the problem. The organization argues that while much attention has been given to individuals unable to work due to poor health, this report highlights the substantial number of people with work-limiting illnesses who are still employed. The think tank emphasizes the need for increased support from both the government and employers to improve the health of workers.

The analysis also revealed that those with work-limiting conditions were more likely to be women and individuals living in deprived areas. On average, they earned 15% less than their healthier counterparts. Dr. Jennifer Dixon, CEO of the Health Foundation, emphasized the significant impact of poor health on individuals, families, and the country as a whole. She noted that poor health among the working-age population not only reduces productivity and negatively affects the economy but also places a considerable burden on public services and employers.

The exact reasons behind the rise in work-limiting conditions are unclear, although factors such as improved reporting of mental health conditions, longer waiting times for treatment, and the health consequences of the pandemic are likely contributors. The findings are based on the Labour Force Survey, which has recently been discontinued due to a decline in participation. However, the Health Foundation believes that the data used for its analysis remains accurate enough. The Department of Work and Pensions has announced a £2.5 billion Back to Work plan aimed at assisting individuals with health problems in finding and maintaining employment, which includes a significant expansion of employment and health support.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can share your experiences by emailing [email protected]. The Health Foundation’s analysis underscores the growing number of workers in the UK facing health challenges that impact their ability to work effectively. It highlights the need for increased support from the government and employers to address this issue and improve the health and well-being of workers.

Original news source: More illness among young affecting work ability (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Students are to quickly skim the article and write a three-sentence summary of the key points. They will then share their summaries in small groups and discuss the common elements they identified.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article’s content, such as “Employers should be responsible for improving the health of their workers,” or “Chronic illnesses should not impact an individual’s earning potential.” Students will move around the room and sign their names under “Agree,” “Disagree,” or “Neutral” for each statement. Afterward, have a class discussion based on the results of the poll.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Identify key terms from the article (e.g., “work-limiting condition,” “chronic illness,” “productivity”). Divide the class into two teams. Team members take turns drawing the terms on the board without speaking or writing any words, while their team guesses the term within a set time limit.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to consider the information from the article and make predictions about the future of workplace health. They can write down their predictions and then discuss in pairs or small groups, considering questions such as “How might the situation improve?” or “What new challenges could arise?”

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Present a question related to the article for students to think about, such as “What could be the underlying reasons for the increase in young workers with health issues?” Students first think individually, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally, share their ideas with the larger class, fostering a deeper discussion on the topic.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What percentage of currently employed people in the UK have a work-limiting condition according to the Health Foundation’s analysis?
2. By how much has the percentage of workers with work-limiting conditions increased over the past decade?
3. What are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions identified in the study?
4. What demographic groups are more likely to have work-limiting conditions, as revealed by the analysis?
5. What is the average difference in earnings between those with work-limiting conditions and their healthier counterparts?
6. What are some potential factors contributing to the rise in work-limiting conditions?
7. What action has the Department of Work and Pensions taken in response to the issue of work-limiting conditions?
8. How does the Health Foundation view the accuracy of the data used for its analysis, given the discontinuation of the Labour Force Survey?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent analysis by the Health Foundation has revealed that a growing number of (1)______ in the UK are facing health issues that are impacting their ability to perform their jobs. The study found that 12% of people currently employed, which amounts to 3.7 million individuals, have a “work-limiting” condition. This represents an increase from 8.5% a decade ago, equating to a rise of 1.4 million people. Notably, young workers have experienced a significant increase in ill-health (2)______ their work, with those aged 16 to 34 now reporting similar levels of health issues as middle-aged individuals did ten (3)______ ago.

The most common causes of work-limiting conditions were (4)______ illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems. The Health Foundation, a charity focused on improving (5)______ and care, has expressed concern over the magnitude of this issue and has established a commission of experts to further investigate the problem. The organization argues that while much attention has been given to individuals unable to work due to poor health, this report highlights the substantial number of people with work-limiting illnesses who are still employed. The think tank emphasizes the need for increased support from both the government and employers to (6)______ the health of workers.

The analysis also revealed that those with work-limiting conditions were more likely to be women and individuals living in (7)______ areas. On (8)______, they earned 15% less than their healthier counterparts. Dr. Jennifer Dixon, CEO of the Health Foundation, emphasized the (9)______ impact of poor health on individuals, families, and the (10)______ as a whole. She noted that poor health among the working-age population not only reduces productivity and negatively (11)______ the economy but also places a considerable burden on public services and employers.

The exact reasons behind the rise in work-limiting conditions are unclear, although factors such as improved reporting of mental health conditions, longer waiting times for treatment, and the health consequences of the pandemic are likely contributors. The findings are based on the Labour Force (12)______, which has recently been discontinued due to a decline in participation. However, the Health Foundation believes that the data used for its analysis remains accurate enough. The Department of Work and (13)______ has announced a £2.5 billion Back to Work plan aimed at assisting individuals with health problems in finding and maintaining employment, which includes a significant (14)______ of employment and health support.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can share your experiences by emailing [email protected]. The Health Foundation’s analysis underscores the growing (15)______ of workers in the UK facing health challenges that impact their ability to work effectively. It highlights the need for increased support from the government and employers to (16)______ this issue and improve the health and well-being of workers.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think are the main factors contributing to the rise of work-limiting conditions among young workers?
2. How would you feel if you developed a health condition that limited your ability to perform your job?
3. Do you believe that employers in your country provide sufficient support for employees with chronic illnesses? Why or why not?
4. What kind of policies do you think governments should implement to address the health issues of the working population?
5. Have you or someone you know ever had to work while managing a chronic health condition? What was that experience like?
6. Do you think mental health conditions are adequately recognized and supported in the workplace compared to physical health issues?
7. What is your opinion on the impact of long waiting times for medical treatment on an individual’s ability to work?
8. How do you think the pandemic has affected the health of workers in your country?
9. Do you believe that there is a stigma associated with reporting mental health issues in the workplace? Why or why not?
10. What measures can employers take to better accommodate employees with work-limiting health conditions?
11. How do you think health problems among workers affect a country’s economy and public services?
12. Do you think women and individuals from deprived areas face more challenges when it comes to work-limiting conditions? Why or why not?
13. What is your perception of the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in your region, and how might this influence work-limiting health conditions?
14. Do you think that the rise in work-limiting conditions could lead to changes in the way we define and structure work in the future?
15. How important do you think it is for workers to have access to health and wellness programs provided by their employers?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. workers
2. health
3. conditions
4. individuals
5. rise
6. support
7. analysis
8. government

Meanings:
(a) The state of a person’s physical and mental well-being
(b) People who are employed
(c) Assistance or help provided to someone
(d) Circumstances or factors affecting a situation
(e) People as separate entities
(f) An increase in number or level
(g) Examination or examination of something in detail
(h) The governing body of a nation or state
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. According to the analysis by the Health Foundation, what percentage of people currently employed in the UK have a “work-limiting” condition?
(a) 12%
(b) 8.5%
(c) 3.7 million
(d) 1.4 million

2. What age group has experienced a significant increase in ill-health affecting their work?
(a) 35 to 50
(b) 51 to 65
(c) 66 and above
(d) 16 to 34

3. What are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions?
(a) Accidents and injuries
(b) Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems
(c) Allergies and respiratory conditions
(d) Infectious diseases

4. According to the analysis, who is more likely to have work-limiting conditions?
(a) Men
(b) Younger individuals
(c) Older individuals
(d) Women

5. On average, how much less do individuals with work-limiting conditions earn compared to their healthier counterparts?
(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 5%
(d) 20%

6. What are some potential reasons behind the rise in work-limiting conditions?
(a) Lack of exercise and poor diet
(b) Genetic predisposition
(c) Improved reporting of mental health conditions, longer waiting times for treatment, and the health consequences of the pandemic
(d) Occupational hazards

7. What has the Department of Work and Pensions announced to assist individuals with health problems in finding and maintaining employment?
(a) A £2.5 billion Back to Work plan
(b) Free healthcare for all individuals with work-limiting conditions
(c) Tax breaks for employers who hire individuals with work-limiting conditions
(d) Mandatory health screenings for all employees

8. What does the Health Foundation believe about the accuracy of the data used for its analysis?
(a) It is no longer accurate due to the discontinuation of the Labour Force Survey
(b) It is inaccurate and unreliable
(c) It remains accurate enough
(d) It needs further investigation to determine its accuracy

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Young workers, aged 16 to 34, now report higher levels of health issues than middle-aged individuals did ten years ago.
2. Women and individuals living in deprived areas are more likely to have work-limiting conditions and earn 15% less on average.
3. This percentage has decreased from 8.5% a decade ago, representing a decline of 1.4 million people.
4. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions.
5. The rise in work-enhancing conditions may be due to factors such as decreased reporting of mental health conditions, shorter waiting times for treatment, and the health benefits of the pandemic.
6. The Health Foundation has established a commission of experts to further investigate the issue and is calling for increased support from the government and employers.
7. 12% of currently employed individuals in the UK have a “work-limiting” condition.
8. The Health Foundation recently conducted an analysis on the health issues faced by non-workers in the UK.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What percentage of UK workers currently have a “work-limiting” condition according to the Health Foundation’s analysis?
2. How has the prevalence of work-limiting conditions among young workers aged 16 to 34 changed over the past decade?
3. What are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions identified in the study?
4. What disparities did the analysis find between workers with work-limiting conditions and their healthier counterparts in terms of earnings and demographics?
5. What measures has the Department of Work and Pensions introduced to support individuals with health problems in the workforce?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What percentage of currently employed people in the UK have a work-limiting condition according to the Health Foundation’s analysis?
12% of currently employed people in the UK have a work-limiting condition.

2. By how much has the percentage of workers with work-limiting conditions increased over the past decade?
The percentage of workers with work-limiting conditions has increased from 8.5% to 12% over the past decade.

3. What are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions identified in the study?
The most common causes of work-limiting conditions are chronic illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems.

4. What demographic groups are more likely to have work-limiting conditions, as revealed by the analysis?
Women and individuals living in deprived areas are more likely to have work-limiting conditions.

5. What is the average difference in earnings between those with work-limiting conditions and their healthier counterparts?
Those with work-limiting conditions earn on average 15% less than their healthier counterparts.

6. What are some potential factors contributing to the rise in work-limiting conditions?
Potential factors include improved reporting of mental health conditions, longer waiting times for treatment, and the health consequences of the pandemic.

7. What action has the Department of Work and Pensions taken in response to the issue of work-limiting conditions?
The Department of Work and Pensions has announced a £2.5 billion Back to Work plan aimed at helping individuals with health problems find and maintain employment, which includes a significant expansion of employment and health support.

8. How does the Health Foundation view the accuracy of the data used for its analysis, given the discontinuation of the Labour Force Survey?
The Health Foundation believes that the data used for its analysis remains accurate enough, despite the discontinuation of the Labour Force Survey.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) workers
(2) affecting
(3) years
(4) chronic
(5) health
(6) improve
(7) deprived
(8) average
(9) significant
(10) country
(11) affects
(12) Survey
(13) Pensions
(14) expansion
(15) number
(16) address
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. workers
Answer: (b) People who are employed

2. health
Answer: (a) The state of a person’s physical and mental well-being

3. conditions
Answer: (d) Circumstances or factors affecting a situation

4. individuals
Answer: (e) People as separate entities

5. rise
Answer: (f) An increase in number or level

6. support
Answer: (c) Assistance or help provided to someone

7. analysis
Answer: (g) Examination or examination of something in detail

8. government
Answer: (h) The governing body of a nation or state
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. According to the analysis by the Health Foundation, what percentage of people currently employed in the UK have a “work-limiting” condition?
Answer: (a) 12%

2. What age group has experienced a significant increase in ill-health affecting their work?
Answer: (d) 16 to 34

3. What are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions?
Answer: (b) Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems

4. According to the analysis, who is more likely to have work-limiting conditions?
Answer: (d) Women

5. On average, how much less do individuals with work-limiting conditions earn compared to their healthier counterparts?
Answer: (b) 15%

6. What are some potential reasons behind the rise in work-limiting conditions?
Answer: (c) Improved reporting of mental health conditions, longer waiting times for treatment, and the health consequences of the pandemic

7. What has the Department of Work and Pensions announced to assist individuals with health problems in finding and maintaining employment?
Answer: (a) A £2.5 billion Back to Work plan

8. What does the Health Foundation believe about the accuracy of the data used for its analysis?
Answer: (c) It remains accurate enough
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Young workers, aged 16 to 34, now report higher levels of health issues than middle-aged individuals did ten years ago. (Answer: False)
2. Women and individuals living in deprived areas are more likely to have work-limiting conditions and earn 15% less on average. (Answer: True)
3. This percentage has decreased from 8.5% a decade ago, representing a decline of 1.4 million people. (Answer: False)
4. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, mental health conditions, and joint and bone problems are the most common causes of work-limiting conditions. (Answer: True)
5. The rise in work-enhancing conditions may be due to factors such as decreased reporting of mental health conditions, shorter waiting times for treatment, and the health benefits of the pandemic. (Answer: False)
6. The Health Foundation has established a commission of experts to further investigate the issue and is calling for increased support from the government and employers. (Answer: True)
7. 12% of currently employed individuals in the UK have a “work-limiting” condition. (Answer: True)
8. The Health Foundation recently conducted an analysis on the health issues faced by non-workers in the UK. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧