Autumn Statement 2024: Do the health and work policies fall short?
Why the Autumn Statement misses a crucial link between economic policy and workforce health
Yesterday, the Chancellor released the Autumn Statement, outlining the UK government’s approach to stabilising the economy in the face of complex challenges, including a population that is getting sicker and less able to fully participate in economic activity. Balancing the books while addressing this increasing strain on the workforce requires a nuanced approach that considers both health and work together. Unfortunately, the statement lacks clear direction on how these interconnected issues will be addressed cohesively, leaving a gap in policy that must be addressed to more sustainable economic growth.
Connecting Health and Employment
The challenges of economic productivity and population health are not just parallel issues; they are inherently linked. Tackling them synergistically could drive both operational and financial efficiency, yet there is no roadmap for achieving this integration. Policymakers and corporate stakeholders must recognise that investing in occupational health not only protects human capital but also strengthens the long-term viability of the workforce and public finances, essential in the context of an aging population. By drawing on occupational health expertise, we can better address the root causes of the productivity shortfall that is affecting economic growth. By demonstrating the benefit of corporate stakeholder investment in workforce health we can innovate and streamline healthcare delivery models, improving efficiency in public spending.
Defining “Ordinary Working People”
The government has committed to supporting "ordinary working people," though this term has sparked debate over who it includes and who it leaves out. From a work and health perspective—an area that sits at the heart of the UK’s current challenges—attempting to rigidly define this group misses the reality of modern economic participation. Many individuals including some navigating their health alongside their work or taking on unpaid work to support those around them as caregivers cannot engage in typical full-time employment models. Necessity for flexibility means paid work can take different forms and does not always culminate in a steady monthly salary. Viewing flexible and varied routes to economic activity as positive, rather than taking a punitive approach, could open up pathways for broader participation in the economy. When individuals face challenges at the intersection of work and health, it often prompts them to rethink their careers and can actually be the catalyst to wider innovation. These sorts of approaches will need to become more widespread throughout the economy in future proofing what humans can offer in a world where AI can take on more work. Aiming for a policy framework that encourages and incentivises inclusive, adaptive work structures while protecting people from exploitation in insecure employment is more productive than taking an archaic view on what work is and is not.
