Mental health problems are the most common reason for people being unable to work, new research has revealed.
Analysis by the IPPR found that while poor health of all kinds is undermining the UK economy, six in 10 people who are economically inactive because of long-term illness are living with a mental health problem.
According to the research, 2.5 million people are inactive because of their health, the highest level since records began.
The report found young adults are 50% more likely to report a mental health problem than older working-age adults.
The report makes three recommendations - a shift towards preventing illness, faster access to the NHS, earlier diagnosis and innovative treatments, and better social care services and more inclusive workplaces.
Professor Lord Ara Darzi, commission co-chair, former health minister and Paul Hamlyn chair of Surgery at Imperial College London, said: 'This report shows that we need three, urgent shifts. First, towards prevention – so less people experience avoidable mortality and morbidity. Second, towards more modern healthcare – to help diagnose conditions earlier and treat them more effectively.
'Third, we need to ensure that living with a health condition doesn’t limit people’s economic opportunities. That means creating an inclusive job market and significantly improving adult social care provision.'
The final report, including a full set of policy recommendations, will be published in 2023.
