Employers and the Government need to take action to get Britain back to work as economic inactivity rises.
The latest job market figures showed more than a fifth (22.3 percent) of working age adults are not looking for work.
Julia Turney, partner and head of Platform and Benefits at consultancy group Barnett Waddingham, called for action on the issue.
She told Express.co.uk: “It is imperative that we address this economic inactivity which poses a significant threat to economic recovery.
“Meeting this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including skill-building initiatives, investments in public transport and childcare, and more flexible policies for workers and businesses.
“We must also tackle barriers to employment with tools like rehabilitation strategies, mental health support, and flexible working arrangements.
“Companies need to continually evaluate these initiatives, using data analysis to monitor their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.”
She said the new Government will need to take action as well. She commented: “As the General Election approaches, all political parties must take this issue seriously and propose practical solutions.
“This is not a partisan issue, but a shared concern that requires commitment from the whole of Government.”
Jack Kennedy, senior economist at global hiring platform Indeed, said one of the key drivers for working age Britons not looking for work is long-term sickness.
He said: “Over 2.8 million people are now inactive due to ill-health, up more than 700,000 since the eve of the pandemic.
“Though part of the rise pre-dated coronavirus, the pandemic left an added burden on the nation’s physical and mental health.
“We also saw a rise in older people leaving the workforce during the pandemic. Though rising living costs have forced some early retirees back into the workforce, others remain on the sidelines.
“Some may feel the pay or conditions aren’t sufficient to make a return to work worthwhile, or they may lack the support to navigate going into a new sector or role different to their previous experience.”
Turning to what can be done to improve the situation, Mr Kennedy said employers are trying to make jobs more flexible.
He explained: “Jobs offering flexibility in working hours can help various groups including older workers, working parents and those who have disabilities.
“Location flexibility is another focus. Searches for remote and hybrid work on Indeed are up tenfold from pre-pandemic levels; offering this type of flexibility can help employers attract more people back from the sidelines.
“Both policymakers and employers have a role in enhancing the support available for people wanting to return to work, including information and training opportunities.
“This can be a boon for those employers experiencing labour shortages or skills gaps by helping them to bring in the workers they need.”
Financial advisor Yiannis Zourmpanos, senior contributor at Bountii, said there needs to be more support to help people recover from health issues.
He commented: “We also need flexible work arrangements so parents can both work and care for their families. Additionally, we must make sure job opportunities provide proper pay, hours, and a good culture.
“That means investing in workers’ skills training. Finally, providing incentives like subsidies could encourage businesses to create jobs offering development and career growth.”
Mr Zourmpanos warned of the dangers to the UK as a whole if a large group stays unemployed for the long term.
He explained: “People out of work pay fewer taxes while relying on benefits paid by people with jobs. This balances our system.
“If too many rely on the system and too few contribute, it could undermine everything from public services to state pensions.
“It’s crucial to make work attractive and find work for as many as medically able to earn a living and support themselves and their families. Our nation depends on a workforce where everyone who wishes to work and is able takes part.”
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