DEVELOPING: Britain Teeters on Economic Brink as £85bn Sickness Bill Soars.

Britain Teeters on Economic Brink as £85bn Sickness Bill Soars A staggering £85 billion annual cost is putting the UK at risk of an economic crisis, according to a new report. The number of people out of work due to health conditions has surged by 800,000 since 2019, with one in five working-age individuals now not seeking employment. The alarming figure has prompted former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield to warn of an "economic inactivity crisis" that threatens the country's prosperity. Employers are bearing the brunt of the £85 billion sickness bill, which could worsen without intervention. The report, commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, highlights a concerning trend where a 22-year-old who falls out of work for health reasons could lose out on £1 million over the course of their lifetime. Business groups have expressed concerns that Labour's Employment Rights Bill may include disincentives to hiring people with existing illnesses. Sir Charlie, who will lead a taskforce to help people return to work, remains optimistic that the problem is not inevitable. However, immediate action is needed to address the issue before it's too late. This is a developing story, with further updates expected in the coming hours and days.