27 January 2024
Recently, MPs from across the House of Commons debated the importance of strategies to support people with MSK and rheumatic conditions in employment. We're thankful to Margaret Greenwood MP and Versus Arthritis for securing this debate, and Marion Fellows MP, for highlighting BSR and our role in tackling the workplace shortages in rheumatology.
🧵 Here's our summary of the debate in numbers:
- 1 in 3 people have been affected by MSK and rheumatic conditions
- 57.5% of people affected have been in employment
- The annual cost to the NHS of those struggling with MSK and rheumatic conditions is £5 billion
- 35.2 million working days are lost each year due to the impact that MSK and rheumatic conditions have on employees
- The costs related to living with these conditions are continuing to rise and they are becoming more prevalent.
MPs discussed the impact of MSK, emphasising the need for a government strategy and cross-departmental collaboration to address costs, workplace practices, and support systems. MPs emphasised success through collaboration with employers, trade unions, and healthcare professionals.
A holistic approach is needed
MPs raised health challenges faced by workers, including cost of living crisis on diet and keeping warm. Poverty is linked to work practices, fatigue, and mental health. There is an urgent need for the government to focus on addressing waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. The government must promote good MSK health, reduce workplace risks, and provide support through positive practices.
Proposed solutions are:
- Having a ross-departmental MSK strategy
- Investment in research and healthcare
- Public awareness campaigns
- Strengthening the Access to Work scheme
We'd like to also thank Vicky Foxcroft MP, Tom Randall MP, Mims Davies MP, John Mcdonnell MP, Rupa Huq MP, Jim Shannon MP, and Gregory Campbell for their contributions and for pushing these issues up the political agenda.
Rheumatology teams play a critical role in giving advice, treatment, and rehab, so it’s vital that workforce shortages and vacancies are addressed.
Take our quick e-action and ask the Government to back our call to grow the rheumatology workforce here:
https://rheumatology.eaction.org.uk/ThePeopleWeNeed