Health Inequality in Northern England: A Growing Crisis

A recent report from Health Equity North highlights a significant disparity in job loss due to ill health between Northern and Southern England, revealing that individuals in the North are twice as likely to stop working because of health issues. This situation has been exacerbated by proposed cuts to benefits, particularly Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which have left northern communities feeling vulnerable and "under attack." The report emphasizes that addressing regional health inequalities is crucial for economic growth, potentially adding £18.4 billion to the economy annually.

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The report indicates that since 2018, the North West, North East, and Yorkshire regions have seen a 22% increase in joblessness due to ill health, compared to a 10% rise in London. The gap in joblessness among individuals with long-term health conditions has nearly quadrupled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from a 1.1 percentage point difference to 4.2 percentage points. This growing inequality is attributed to policy decisions rather than individual circumstances, with experts arguing that the government's focus on benefit cuts is counterproductive.

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Health Equity North, a coalition of academics and health professionals, produced the report, with director Hannah Davies emphasizing the need for government recognition of health as integral to productivity. Rachel Reeves, a prominent Labour politician, has been vocal about the need for comprehensive measures to support those affected by health-related job loss. In her recent speech, she expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of employment opportunities for young people and those with health conditions.

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Critics argue that the government's approach to welfare reform, particularly cuts to PIP, undermines the health of vulnerable populations. The report suggests that these cuts are "self-defeating," as they may lead to increased economic inactivity and further strain public resources. The psychological impact of perceived attacks on support systems has also been noted, with communities feeling increasingly marginalized.

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In response to the growing crisis, the government announced a £1 billion package aimed at helping sick and disabled individuals return to work. Former Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated, “Millions of people have been locked out of work, and we can do better for them.” However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, particularly in light of the ongoing calls for more substantial investment in health and employment support.

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As the government prepares for an upcoming Budget, there are calls for a shift in focus from cuts to investments in health and employment support. Experts urge policymakers to consider the long-term economic benefits of improving health outcomes in the North, rather than implementing "tokenistic" measures that fail to address the root causes of inequality.

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• “You can’t increase productivity without improving the health of the population,” — Hannah Davies, Director, Health Equity North

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• “There’s no defending it.” — Rachel Reeves, Labour Politician

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• “Then Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Millions of people have been locked out of work, and we can do better for them.” — Liz Kendall, Former Work and Pensions Secretary

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