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UK ‘to lose 600,000 workers to illness without better health support at work’

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In a damning indictment of the government's failure to protect workers' rights and ensure corporate accountability, a new report by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) reveals that an alarming 600,000 individuals will be forced out of the British workforce over the next decade due to long-term...

In a damning indictment of the government's failure to protect workers' rights and ensure corporate accountability, a new report by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) reveals that an alarming 600,000 individuals will be forced out of the British workforce over the next decade due to long-term health conditions. This staggering figure highlights the systemic issues plaguing our society, where profit-driven corporations prioritize their bottom line over the wellbeing of their employees.

The RSPH's analysis exposes the urgent need for a fundamental shift in how employers support their staff's health and wellbeing. The current system, which allows companies to shirk their responsibilities and leaves vulnerable workers to fend for themselves, is not only morally reprehensible but also economically unsustainable. By 2035, the UK stands to lose a staggering £36 billion annually as a result of this corporate negligence.

Behind these numbers lie countless stories of hardship and injustice. Workers with long-term health conditions often face discrimination, lack of accommodations, and inadequate support from their employers. This disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.

The government's inaction in the face of this looming crisis is a testament to its misplaced priorities. Instead of catering to the interests of wealthy corporations, our elected officials must take decisive action to protect workers' rights and hold companies accountable for their treatment of employees. This includes implementing robust regulations, providing resources for workplace accommodations, and investing in accessible healthcare and mental health support.

Moreover, the environmental impact of this impending workforce exodus cannot be ignored. As individuals are pushed out of employment due to health conditions, the burden on social services and healthcare systems will increase, straining already limited resources. This, in turn, will have ripple effects on communities and the environment, as the most vulnerable are left to bear the brunt of the consequences.

It is time for a radical reimagining of our economic system, one that places people and planet over profit. We must demand that our government and corporations take responsibility for the wellbeing of workers and create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their health status. Only then can we build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Based on original article:

UK ‘to lose 600,000 workers to illness without better health support at work’ - The Guardian World →
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