March 30, 2026 - 173 views
Ill-health and disability are costing Wales an estimated £19.4 billion every year, according to new findings from Public Health Wales—a figure that paints a stark picture of the human and economic toll of poor health across the nation.
Behind that headline number lies a complex web of impacts. Billions are lost through people being unable to work due to long-term illness, while millions more are drained through sickness absence, informal caregiving, increased pressure on the NHS, and reduced tax revenues.
The single largest share—£8.2 billion—comes from people of working age who are unable to work because of ill-health, with a further £2.9 billion attributed to days lost through sickness. The ripple effects extend into households and communities too, with £2.3 billion linked to informal care provided by working-age individuals supporting others with health conditions.
Health experts say the figures highlight more than just economic strain—they underline the critical role that good, secure work plays in people’s lives. Having a stable job not only provides financial security, but also offers structure, purpose and the means to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In contrast, being locked out of the workforce due to illness can deepen inequalities and worsen long-term health outcomes.
Ciarán Humphreys, a consultant in wider determinants of health at Public Health Wales, said too many people in Wales are spending longer portions of their lives in poor health, often because the basic foundations of wellbeing—such as quality housing and fair employment—are either fragile or missing altogether. He pointed to a worrying rise in people leaving the workforce due to ill-health in recent years, particularly among younger people struggling with mental health issues and older individuals affected by musculoskeletal conditions.
The research makes clear that early, tailored support can make a significant difference. With the right help, people with health conditions are more likely to find employment and remain in work, particularly when employers take a flexible and supportive approach. Investing in prevention and workplace wellbeing, Humphreys said, is not just a health priority but an economic one, essential to building a stronger and more inclusive Welsh economy.
Efforts to tackle the issue are already underway through initiatives like Healthy Working Wales, a national programme funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Public Health Wales. The scheme offers free support to employers, helping them create healthier workplaces, reduce sickness absence, and support staff living with long-term conditions. Businesses can access expert advice, assess their current wellbeing practices through a new survey tool, and implement changes designed to keep employees healthier and more engaged.
Oliver Williams, a consultant in public health involved in the programme, said the benefits for employers are clear. Investing in staff wellbeing not only improves morale and retention but also delivers a measurable return, with studies suggesting that for every £1 spent on mental health and wellbeing, businesses can see an average return of £4.70 through increased productivity.
For some organisations, that investment is already paying off. Pentan Architects, based in Cardiff, has spent the past seven years embedding health and wellbeing into its workplace culture through the Healthy Working Wales scheme. The firm has introduced a wide range of initiatives, from health awareness talks and anxiety workshops to flexible working arrangements, physiotherapy access and outdoor team-building activities.
Associate Director Claire Griffiths said the approach is rooted in a simple principle: people come first. By fostering a supportive environment where staff feel valued and able to look after both their health and their workload, the practice has strengthened not only wellbeing but also team cohesion. Activities like a month-long fitness challenge, which saw staff collectively cover more than 2,500 kilometres through running, cycling and walking, have helped keep employees active while building a strong sense of connection.
As Wales continues to grapple with the growing cost of ill-health, the message from public health leaders is clear. Supporting people into good work—and helping them stay there—is not just beneficial for individuals, but vital for the country’s future prosperity.
