Extra 700,000 people of working age ‘will live with major illnesses by 2040’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We are already seeing the impact of poor health on the economy, with record numbers of people out of the workforce Jo Bibby, Health Foundation The report said 80% of the projected increase in people diagnosed with major illnesses will be in the more deprived 50% of areas of England. This report should be a wake-up call for politicians ahead of the General Election about the need for action to address rising ill health – our future health and prosperity as a nation depends on it Ann Raymond, Health Foundation’s Real Centre Jo Bibby, director of health at the Health Foundation, said: “Good health is our most precious asset, and a healthy workforce is the backbone of any thriving economy. “Without action, the number of working-age people living with major illness is set to increase, particularly in the most deprived areas of the country.” This is the second report from a research programme led by the Health Foundation’s Real Centre in partnership with the University of Liverpool. Ann Raymond, economist at the Health Foundation’s Real Centre, said: “This report should be a wake-up call for politicians ahead of the General Election about the need for action to address rising ill health – our future health and prosperity as a nation depends on it.” The report said that while action is needed in the NHS, more needs to be done to tackle issues such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and drinking too much alcohol.