We published a new report today with a clear message: poor childhood health casts a long shadow. Using the 1970 British Cohort Study, we found a correlation between health at age 10 and health at age 51.

Everyone deserves the time they need to recover when they’re unwell – and fair sick pay is essential to that. But further action is needed. That means better job quality, more flexible working, and healthier workplaces to truly support people’s health.

While sickness absence may be falling, poor health – particularly mental ill health – is still placing a heavy burden on workers and employers alike.

Overall sickness absence has fallen since its 2022 peak, but remains above pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, workers lost an average of 4.1 days. In 2024, it's 4.4 days. The UK is still grappling with serious health challenges.

In 2024, private sector firms lost an estimated 3.9 working days per employee due to sickness. That’s a total of 100.5 million days lost – a major drag on productivity.

New analysis from IPPR on today’s sickness absence figures:. Sickness is falling, but the cost to employers remains high – and mental health absences are on the rise again.

I helped run the numbers just before the election-Reform’s tax plans come with a high price tag and would mainly benefit the wealthiest households. Tax policy should prioritise support for those who need it most and not line the pockets of the wealthy.

I wrote for @FENews highlighting the long-term consequences of poor childhood health - with implications lasting into later life and across the economy. Early investment pays off - for families, public services, and growth. Read more 👇.

We have a real chance to break the cycle - but only if we act early and decisively. Read the full report here 👉

•Targeted investment in young people approaching the labour market. •Smart regulation and levies to improve children’s health. •Use the proceeds to fund even more investment in children’s wellbeing.

We believe early intervention is vital. It can reduce health inequalities and can bring major economic returns. So what do we recommend?.

They're also 67 per cent more likely to have a long-term health condition that affects their ability to work. This isn’t just a health issue. It’s an economic one too - for individuals and for society.

The data shows that early mental and behavioural health struggles don’t just fade with time - but can have implications over four decades later. Children with severe issues at 10 are nearly twice as likely to show signs of depression at 51.

RT @GandonAmy: Delighted to launch this report, busting one of the biggest myths in British politics. The public doesn't see public healt….

We have an aging population and many employees are living with a long-term health condition. Employers have a role to play to mitigate the impacts of these health conditions - which if done right they also stand to see productivity improvements.

Not behind paywall: .

Our analysis, featured in @Telegraph, reveals stark health inequalities across the UK. As our Commission argued: Investing in health isn’t just vital for individual well-being-it’s essential for national prosperity. These inequalities must be addressed.

RT @WorkFoundation: 🏆Our final #researchoftheweek of 2024 goes to @IPPR and @savechildrenuk for their report 'The Childcare Challenge.' (1/….

Access to childcare varies drastically by local authority. In Walsall, 73% of children live in areas with some of the worst childcare access in England. Whilst LA's adjacent to Walsall have far better access such as Birmingham and Lichfield.

We just published a new report on childcare access and find significant inequalities. With deprived areas having 32 per cent fewer childcare places per child compared to affluent areas and 25 per cent fewer 'good' places.