Record Numbers Not Working Due To Ill Health

If I were to say what I thought I would be banned.

GSM

My thoughts as well, I suspect.

Not at all similar to our life. Everyone is working or going to school, and mobile. Nobody has had covid. Life is normal, with jabs.

Calendargirl

GSM

My thoughts as well, I suspect.

And mine! Still working at 70, albeit part time in a care home..

Just had a look at the News website.

It suggests If you have back or neck pain, have a chat with your doctor or a physiotherapist ( arising from problems with working from home, incorrect seating support etc).

Assuming of course you can get an appointment with either of these….

I havent noticed increase in rates of sickness where I work but have noticed more people taking early retirement. I think the pandemic led to lots of people thinking there might be a different way to live.

Calendargirl

Just had a look at the News website.

It suggests If you have back or neck pain, have a chat with your doctor or a physiotherapist ( arising from problems with working from home, incorrect seating support etc).

Assuming of course you can get an appointment with either of these….

I tend to use my osteopath far more than I ever see a doctor amazing what she can sort out. And no waiting very long for an appointment.
I have not noticed in my circle of friends anybody on long term sick and not in my family as most are self employed and sickness is not a option.

GSM, I am pretty sure my thoughts are the same as yours.

And mine!

And mine

And mine..

For those wanting to play the system long covid is up there with a bad back: it can’t be proven one way or the other.
To those who are genuinely suffering it must be horrendous and I’m truly sorry for those people.
But believe me there are people playing the system.

Agreed.

My work life is erratic and unpredictable due to long covid. I never know when a downturn will happen. Usually when I have done too much. Rest for a few days. I wouldn't say it causes me to be sick long term.
I hope others aren't playing the system.

You do your best Borabah and that’s commendable - I’m sure all of us on GN would do the same rather than just get a ‘sick note’ and stay at home on benefits if we could work. Sadly there are others who could work but …

Another one here in agreement with GSM

Makes my blood boil.

There seems to be rather a lot of mind-reading on this thread....

I suspect that difficulty in getting medical care has a substantial part to play. I doubt those on long term sick benefit are living the life of Riley.

We lived on benefits for two years before my husband took early retirement when it became obvious that he would never be well enough to work again. After the financial worry, the endless jumping through hoops to be awarded anything, the endless form filling, and the constant economising, I can't imagine why anyone would choose long term benefits as a way of life.

The devil is in the detail. Sickness levels are highest in people over 50, deprived areas, unskilled or caring roles. The headline grabbers aren’t why most people are on long term sick, see this latest ONS census data. .
www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/labourproductivity/articles/sicknessabsenceinthelabourmarket/2022
The reason many Gransnetters don’t know anybody personally is down to demographics, but a lot of these are people who have no opportunities - be kind.

Daisymae

I suspect that difficulty in getting medical care has a substantial part to play. I doubt those on long term sick benefit are living the life of Riley.

Daisymae
Many people on zero hours/ minimum wage were never living the life of Riley to begin with.
Because of the circumstances they found themselves in ( see above) they are very good at cutting back even more.
Then there are those who are working on the black.
Levels of disability payments very a great deal.

Are we becoming a nation of malingers?

No, we are becoming a nation of unfeeling, unsympathetic tabloid led cynics.

Well at least I don’t read the tabloids.