• Decreased rates of smoking 

• Increased access to screening programmes such as cancer  

• Better access to specific target groups (i.e. males) 

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The UK Health and Safety Executive produces annual statistics, and the most recent (2021/22) show: 

• 1.8 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, of which 

• 914,000 workers suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety 

• 477,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder 

• 123,000 workers suffering from Covid-19 which they believe may have been from exposure at work 

• 36.8 million days lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal work injury 

• £18.8 billion annual costs of work-related injury and new cases of ill-health

 

The Covid-19 pandemic put a spotlight on physical and mental health and wellbeing, and for many its legacy is a change in working practices. Whilst frontline workers continue to operate in similar environments and according to established working patterns, there has been a shift to hybrid working models that has introduced a new concept of the ‘workplace’, with many staff now working in an agile fashion between the traditional workplace and home. A recent survey by the CBI showed that many employers believe that the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace has increased since the pandemic, with hybrid working policies now adopted by around 4 in 10 businesses. 

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Being in good work has a positive impact on a person’s health, wellbeing and productivity. The evidence, however, also tells us that the workplace can cause or aggravate poor health, which underlines the importance of this key public health objective. 

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Official census and labour market statistics (NOMIS 2021/22) show that in County Durham there were:- 

• 182,000 total employee jobs (around 64,000 in public administration/defence/social security, education and human health/social work activities) 

• 14,725 businesses (with approximately 14,445 being in organisations that employ up to 249 people), an increase of 3,280 (28.7%) since 2010 

• 74.3% of working aged people are in employment, compared to 75.7% nationally 

• Up to December 2022, economic inactivity (i.e. student, carer, sickness, retired) stood at 24.3%, compared to 21.5% nationally.  34.3% of total economic inactivity comprised long-term sick (compared to 25.8% nationally) 

• 4.1% of working aged people are unemployed, compared to 3.6% nationally 

 

The Office for National Statistics (2022) data shows that around 16.6% of employees in County Durham were earning less than the current living wage foundation rate of £9.90, compared to 12.5% nationally. 

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The recently launched County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy was informed by a county-wide consultation that invited comments from those who live and work in County Durham, as well as from its business estate. From the business questionnaire, 81% of respondents recognised that a healthy workforce was important or very important to the county’s economy. 

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