This increase in sick days coincides with a notable rise in precarious employment, which has grown by a third to over 4 million individuals from 2011 to 2023.

The economic implications are stark, as work-related illnesses are currently costing the UK economy over £400 million weekly, amounting to £22 billion in 2023.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak argues that these findings underscore the urgent need for the Employment Rights Bill to bolster economic productivity and growth.

Nowak further emphasizes that enhancing job security will not only improve workers' health and well-being but also boost productivity, helping more individuals stay in work.

Polling data shows that 75% of managers believe that stronger employment rights would lead to improved employee health, while 74% think it would enhance workforce retention.

The findings reveal that poor work quality can significantly harm employee health, with certain conditions directly linked to work-related issues.

A recent study conducted for the Trades Union Congress (TUC) utilized data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to analyze the impact of work-related factors on employee health.

This analysis comes ahead of the anticipated return of employment rights legislation to the Commons, where the government aims to strengthen worker protections.

Since 2010, the number of cumulative sick days lost due to ill health has surged by a third, now totaling 34 million.

However, some business leaders express concerns that expanding employment rights and repealing anti-union laws could negatively impact economic growth.