Work related ill health statistics - 2024 to 2025
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Work-Related Ill Health in Great Britain: HSE Data 2024–2025
The latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on work-related ill health across Great Britain for 2024 to 2025 provides a clear picture of the scale of workplace health issues and their ongoing impact on both workers and employers.
The HSE reports that 1.9 million workers suffered from work-related ill health during the past year. This figure includes both long-standing conditions and newly developed illnesses. Of these cases, 730,000 were new, meaning that almost three-quarters of a million people developed a health problem directly linked to their work during 2024/25.
Impact on Productivity
The effect on productivity is substantial. Work-related ill health led to an estimated 35.7 million working days lost over the year. These lost days reflect time taken for recovery, treatment, and the ongoing management of health conditions, creating a significant operational and financial impact for organisations of all sizes.
Long-Term Health Consequences
One of the most concerning findings relates to long-term outcomes. The HSE estimates that around 13,000 deaths each year are linked to past exposure at work, primarily from chemicals or dust. These conditions often take many years to develop, reinforcing the importance of early prevention and effective workplace controls.
Trends Over Time
Looking at long-term trends, rates of work-related ill health were broadly stable before the coronavirus pandemic. However, in each of the last three years, rates have remained higher than the pre-pandemic 2018/19 levels.
A similar pattern is seen in the number of working days lost per worker. Previously stable figures have not returned to earlier levels and are now clearly above pre-COVID benchmarks.
Types of Work-Related Ill Health
The data also show how different conditions contribute to overall ill health figures. In 2024/25:
- 52% were due to stress, depression, or anxiety, affecting approximately 964,000 workers
- 27% were linked to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), affecting 511,000 workers
- 21% were categorised as other types of illness, accounting for 392,000 cases
These categories clearly highlight where organisations should focus their health and wellbeing strategies, including:
- Mental health support
- Ergonomic improvements
- Safer working practices
- Early intervention and support
Why Action Is Needed
Long-term data on ill health rates per 100,000 workers show noticeable fluctuations over the past two decades, including significant disruption during the pandemic years. Crucially, work-related ill health has not returned to earlier levels and remains elevated.
These statistics underline the importance of prioritising workplace health alongside safety. When organisations invest in prevention, wellbeing, and supportive working environments, the benefits are shared by employees, employers, and the wider economy.
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