Work help for 2.5million sick

RISHI Sunak has ordered a review to help some of the 2.5million people classed as long-term sick get back to work to boost the economy.

The Chancellor warned of a ‘ sharp increase’ in ‘ economically inactive’ adults in the last few years.

People out of work because of longterm sickness since Covid-19 in March 2020 has risen by 363,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Jeremy Hunt said: ‘Employment levels have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels which is bad for businesses.’

Mental illnesses and nervous disorders have risen by a fifth. Long-term sickness among the young has also seen a 42 per cent hike in withdrawals from the labour market for 25 to 34-year-olds.

The review will be carried out the Department of Work and Pensions.