"Record Long-Term Sickness Challenges UK Economic Recovery"

The UK's long-term illness issue is more severe than previously thought, with an estimated 2.8 million people aged 16-64 out of work due to long-term sickness, posing challenges for the labor market, inflation risks, and economic recovery. This trend, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and long waiting times in the National Health Service, has led to concerns for the Bank of England and added pressure on public finances. The government is expected to borrow about 124 billion pounds in total this financial year, and the situation threatens to widen social and economic inequalities despite rising job vacancies and salaries.