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

Breaking News: Britain Teeters on Economic Brink as £85bn Sickness Bill Soars Britain is on the cusp of an economic crisis, with a staggering £85 billion annual cost of sickness and disability claims, according to a report led by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield. This alarming figure has left experts warning of an "economic inactivity crisis" that threatens the country's prosperity. The report reveals that there are 800,000 more people out of work due to health conditions compared to 2019, with one in five working-age people not in employment and not seeking work. Without intervention, another 600,000 people could leave work due to health reasons by the end of the decade. The root of the problem lies in the rising number of sick and disabled people unable to work, costing employers a substantial £85 billion annually. This has sparked concerns among business groups, who argue that Labour's Employment Rights Bill includes disincentives to hiring people with existing illnesses. Sir Charlie Mayfield, who will lead a taskforce to help people return to work, emphasizes that the situation is not inevitable and that intervention can prevent a worsening crisis. The Department for Work and Pensions commissioned the report, which was produced independently. This is a developing story, with the UK government yet to respond to the report's findings. The taskforce led by Sir Charlie Mayfield is expected to provide recommendations for addressing the issue in the coming weeks. We will continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.