Occupational ill health costing UK economy about 28 million working days a year

Occupational ill health is costing the UK economy around 28 million working days a year, according to a new report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The Self-Reported Work-Related Illness Survey 2004-05 shows that an estimated two million UK workers suffer ill health, which they believe was caused or made worse by work.

Musculoskeletal disorders are the biggest cause of work-related ill health, with about one million people suffering disorders they believe was caused or made worse by work.

Stress is the next biggest complaint, with around 500,000 people estimated to be suffering work-related stress.

Geoffrey Podger, HSE chief executive, said: "This is a huge loss to the British economy. HSE is working with employers, trade unions and other government departments to bring this down."