One in ten employees affected by limiting illness or disability

clock

Among the employed population 9% report having a limiting long-standing illness or disability (LSI), figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have found.

The rate was higher for the unemployed, of who 20% reported having a limiting LSI, the ONS' Adult Health in Great Britain 2013 figures found, the figures being released today.

The most common difficulties from LSIs reported were with mobility; stamina breathing and fatigue; and dexterity.

Those who reported any form of LSI made up 24% of those employed, while for the unemployed 33% reported such conditions.

The highest rates of limiting LSIs were reported among those who had low incomes, with 30% of those with gross incomes under £10,000 a year affected.

Those on £30,000 per year or more had a rate of limiting LSIs of 9%, for higher incomes there was a similar rate of reporting.

Of smokers, 37% reported an LSI, compared to 45% of ex-smokers and 32% of those who had never smoked, however 31% of light smokers (less than 10 a day) reported an LSI.

Among those aged 16-24 15% were affected by an LSI and 8% were affected by limiting LSI, among those aged 25-44 10% reported a limiting LSI and among 45-64 year olds the rate was 22%.

Wales had the highest rate of people with a limiting LSI at 27% while in the South East and East of England the rate was 17%.

Peter Le Beau, chairman of the Income Protection Task Force, said: "The statistics underline the likelihood, sadly the rather sinister likelihood, of picking up a serious illness during working age.

He added: "It also does show that people who are suffering from a long standing illness, one of the things we're trying to underline with seven families, can get back to work. But it's very difficult once you've got a long-standing illness to get employment again."

"That's a big issue, a social issue as much as anything else, we have to I think deal with that one, but with the rehabilitation and support that certainly the insurance industry give people a much better chance of going back to work."

More on Income Protection

Why we still need to talk IP

Why we still need to talk IP

"Increasing sales starts with education"

Matthew Chapman
clock 14 March 2024 • 3 min read
Cirencester Friendly pays out £9.3 million in 2023

Cirencester Friendly pays out £9.3 million in 2023

Nearly half of claims were from Millennials

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 March 2024 • 2 min read
British Friendly pays out £5m in IP claims

British Friendly pays out £5m in IP claims

Provider pays out 89% of new IP claims in 2023

Cameron Roberts
clock 11 March 2024 • 1 min read

Highlights

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

"It takes longer than ever to get underwriting terms"

John Brazier
clock 12 October 2023 • 5 min read
Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

According to latest ReMark report

John Brazier
clock 11 October 2023 • 2 min read
ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

Women within executive teams have grown to 32%

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2023 • 3 min read