Osteoporosis: Royal Osteoporosis Society discusses disease
Union leaders and business bosses are supporting our campaign to address osteoporosis. The lack of access to specialized bone clinics for individuals over 50 is negatively impacting the economy by keeping employees out of the workforce, according to trade union leaders. Business leaders also note that sickness-related absences remain high, despite the importance of labor market resilience for the nation’s health and wealth. Ill health, particularly musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis, is the leading cause of economic inactivity in the over-50 age group.
Every year, a staggering 2.62 million sick days are taken by UK workers due to fractures caused by osteoporosis. The Confederation of British Industry, Trades Union Congress, and senior politicians have all joined forces with Sunday Express to advocate for improved fracture services nationwide. The concern is that long-term sickness is preventing those below retirement age from fully participating in the workforce, which has serious consequences for their livelihoods and the economy.
The most recent labor figures reveal that over a quarter of individuals aged 50 to 64 are not working and not claiming unemployment benefits. It is believed that ill health is preventing many individuals from utilizing their skills and talents in the workforce. Additionally, workers who need to take care of older parents are affected by this issue. On average, a hip fracture patient requires over 200 hours of family care to recover.
Jordan Cummins from the CBI supports our Better Bones Campaign’s call for everyone over 50 to have access to a quality fractures liaison service. He emphasizes that labor market resilience is crucial for the health and wealth of the nation, making the campaign’s ambitions essential in supporting all workers, especially those over 50, to remain in the workforce. Shelly Asquith from the TUC also expresses support for our campaign with the Royal Osteoporosis Society, highlighting the need for necessary support and medical interventions for individuals and the gaps in the health service that affect workers.
Research suggests that nearly one in five people with osteoporosis have had their work-life disrupted, putting around 600,000 older workers at risk of becoming unemployable. Former Cabinet Minister Damian Green emphasizes the importance of allowing over-50s to work for the sake of the individuals and the economy. He calls for action to reduce the number of older workers prevented from working due to fractures.
Our campaign aims to end the postcode lottery regarding fracture care, an issue raised by Mr. Green. He believes that providing high-quality care across the country would significantly improve the overall quality of life. Sharon Graham, the general secretary of union Unite, describes the current situation as “disgusting” and supports our demand for universal and high-quality fracture liaison services. She emphasizes that the postcode lottery is preventing people from working. We are calling for bone clinics to be accessible to all individuals over 50, which would cost £30 million per year.
The ROS commends the Welsh Government’s commitment to providing fracture liaison services throughout Wales by next September. This commitment ensures that individuals who experience a first fracture receive a proper diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis. Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh Parliament, believes that taking action to help older people stay in work is beneficial for individuals and the economy.
More than 200 Parliamentarians and nearly 800 medics have shown their support for the campaign. Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East, highlights the increased risk of developing osteoporosis for women experiencing menopause and the importance of sufficient services across the country to support those at risk. Craig Jones, CEO of the ROS, emphasizes that osteoporosis is not just about hip fractures in people over 70, but also affects tens of thousands of employees in their 50s and 60s with undiagnosed spinal fractures. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, these individuals can continue working without hardship or sacrificing their careers.
Davina McCall, a TV presenter and campaigner for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), has spoken out about the risk of osteoporosis. She highlights the importance of bone health and the prevention of fractures through HRT. Davina participated in a documentary that explained osteoporosis using chocolate as an analogy. She also discusses the issue on the Dr. Louise Newson Podcast.
Daryl Phillips, a self-employed mortgage adviser, shares her personal experience with severe osteoporosis that left her unable to work for four months. Even after receiving the right treatment, she still needs to pace herself and is no longer as efficient as before. Ms. Phillips initially suffered from back and hip pain, which she later discovered were caused by fractures in her spine and pelvis. She had to rely on others for daily tasks and sought a private diagnosis due to long NHS waiting lists. The condition severely impacted her business and confidence. She emphasizes the financial effect and the need for universal Fracture Liaison Services.
Overall, our campaign aims to address the impact of osteoporosis on individuals, the workforce, and the economy. We advocate for improved fracture services, universal access to bone clinics, and better support for individuals affected by osteoporosis.