Back and join pain costs society £7 billion a year

More than 10 million working days are lost each year to musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries, amounting to a cost of £7 billion.

Now the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance are calling for measures to tackle the problem, including more flexible working for suffering employees and extra training for managers. Industry representatives, experts and the government have supported their demands.

The government has already called for employers to do more to improve the health of their workers, and hopes that by tackling the issue it will help more people to stay in work.

Alliance director Ros Meek says, ‘By taking small steps employers can help to transform the lives of people with musculoskeletal disorders and benefit their bottom line by retaining valuable skills.’