Women workers’ health affected by poor job quality

The number of women who are economically inactive due to ill-health has increased by more than half a million over the last five years, with low-paid, insecure work impacting on their physical and mental health, according to a new TUC analysis.

Using official statistics, it shows the figure is now 1.54 million, the highest number since records began. The number of women economically inactive due to musculoskeletal issues increased by 47%; those economically inactive due to depression, anxiety and mental illness rose by 27%; and conditions including cancer is up by 15%.

The sharp rise in long-term sickness was due to a combination of factors, including long NHS waiting lists and cuts to preventative services, the TUC said.

It highlighted job quality as a key factor. Half a million more women than men are paid below the Real Living Wage; recent TUC analysis shows that Black and minority ethnic women are twice as likely to be on zero hours than white men; and women are more likely to work in sectors, including retail, hospitality and social care, where insecure work and low pay are particularly prevalent.