The latest HSE data for 2024 to 2025 provides a clear and detailed picture of Work-Related Ill Health across Great Britain and its continuing impact on workers and employers alike. From the outset, these figures highlight not only the scale of the issue, but also why organisations must treat workplace health as a priority alongside traditional safety management.
The Scale of Work-Related Ill Health
According to the HSE Reports, an estimated 1.9 million workers experienced work-related ill health in the last year. Importantly, this figure includes both long-standing conditions and newly developed illnesses. Of these cases, 730,000 were new, meaning nearly three-quarters of a million people developed a health problem directly linked to their work during 2024/25.
As a result, these figures show that workplace-related health conditions remain widespread and persistent. Moreover, they demonstrate that prevention efforts still require significant improvement.
Impact on Productivity and Business
In addition to affecting individuals, Work-Related Ill Health places a heavy burden on organisations. The HSE estimates that 35.7 million working days were lost during the year due to illness linked to work. These absences include recovery time, medical treatment, and the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
Consequently, businesses face reduced productivity, increased staffing pressures, and rising costs. For many employers, these losses also affect service delivery, team morale, and long-term workforce stability.
Long-Term Health Consequences
One of the most serious findings relates to long-term outcomes. Each year, around 13,000 deaths are linked to past exposure at work, particularly exposure to hazardous chemicals or dust. These conditions often develop slowly over many years. Therefore, the data strongly reinforces the importance of early prevention, robust exposure controls, and effective health monitoring.
Trends Before and After the Pandemic
When examining long-term trends, the data shows that rates of work-related ill health were broadly stable before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during each of the last three years, rates have remained above pre-pandemic levels from 2018/19. Similarly, working days lost per worker now sit clearly higher than before COVID.
This pattern indicates that the pressures introduced during the pandemic have not fully eased. Instead, they continue to influence workforce health.
Main Causes of Ill Health at Work
The figures also break down the main contributors to work-related illness in 2024/25:
- Stress, depression or anxiety – 52% of cases, affecting around 964,000 workers
- Musculoskeletal disorders – 27% of cases, impacting approximately 511,000 people
- Other illnesses – 21% of cases, accounting for 392,000 workers
Together, these categories clearly show where employers should focus their efforts. Mental health support, ergonomic improvements, safer working practices, and early intervention all play a critical role.
Why Proactive Action Matters
Finally, although long-term data shows fluctuations over the last two decades, one message stands out. Work-related ill health has not returned to earlier, lower levels. As a result, employers must act proactively.
By investing in wellbeing, prevention, and supportive working environments, organisations can reduce preventable illness, improve retention, and protect productivity. Ultimately, prioritising workplace health benefits employees, employers, and the wider economy alike.