A recent study involving over 9,000 individuals previously employed before the pandemic reveals a stark reality: those grappling with Long COVID face a threefold increased likelihood of exiting the workforce compared to their asymptomatic counterparts. As COVID-19 infections resurge, many recover swiftly, but for a significant subset, enduring complications emerge post-initial infection, persisting for 5-12 weeks or longer.

Published in PLOS One by the University of Birmingham and Keele University, the study underscores that individuals with Long COVID symptoms persisting beyond the UK’s statutory employment protection period (28 weeks) are notably prone to leaving employment. Dr. Darja Reuschke, leading the research at the University of Birmingham’s City-Region Economic Development Institute, remarks on the enduring impact of Long COVID, affecting an estimated 2 million people in England and Scotland by March 2024. This substantial health challenge, she notes, inevitably impacts the workforce, particularly those grappling with symptoms beyond the statutory sick pay threshold.

The study differentiated between two Long COVID groups: individuals experiencing symptoms for 5-28 weeks versus those enduring symptoms for 29 weeks or more, compared with asymptomatic or briefly symptomatic individuals. It examined various employment outcomes, including exit from employment, zero working hours due to sickness absence, reduced working hours, and diminished mental well-being at work.

Findings indicate the highest likelihood of exiting employment was observed among those with Long COVID symptoms persisting beyond 28 weeks. Those with symptoms lasting 5-28 weeks faced increased sickness absence, akin to those with short-lived COVID symptoms. The study found no substantial reduction in working hours for those with Long COVID of 29 weeks or more who remained employed, suggesting resilience or accommodation within workplace settings.

Professor Donald Houston, contributing to the study, underscores that despite the challenges, many individuals with Long COVID strive to remain in the workforce, often adhering to statutory sick pay limitations before considering work modifications or departures.

The study also highlighted profound mental health impacts associated with Long COVID, particularly among those enduring symptoms for 29 weeks or more, underscoring the necessity for tailored workplace adaptations and supportive measures. Professor Paul Sissons from Keele University Business School emphasises the study’s revelation of significant employment challenges posed by Long COVID, calling attention to systemic gaps in sickness benefits and the pivotal role of employers in fostering supportive work environments for individuals managing long-term health conditions.

Dr. Reuschke concludes by advocating for extended statutory sick pay beyond 28 weeks and enhanced flexibility in phased returns to work, crucial steps to mitigate the risk of Long COVID-related workforce departures. She stresses the importance of financial aid to employers to sustain employment and combat escalating workforce inactivity in the UK, aligning with initiatives under the new Labour government’s agenda.

More information: Darja Reuschke et al, Impacts of Long COVID on workers: A longitudinal study of employment exit, work hours and mental health in the UK, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306122

Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by University of Birmingham