Work

Does the health of local populations modify occupational differences in employment rates of older workers? Findings from the ONS Longitudinal Study 2001–2011

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Poor health is a key reason for early exit from the labour market. Few studies have explored how the health of local populations is related to occupational differences in employment outcomes among older people. Our study used data for England and Wales from the ONS Longitudinal Study linked with 2001 Census measures of the health of the older working age population at local authority level. We included 128,710 people aged 40-64y in 2001 who were in paid work in the previous five years. We investigated the associations of both occupation and area level with two employment outcomes ten years later (in 2011): i) in paid work or not; ii) economic activity (employed (reference), unemployed, retired, sick/disabled, other). People in elementary occupations were more likely to not be in paid work in 2011 compared to those in managerial occupations (RRR 1·55 [95%CI 1·47,1·64]). Compared to the healthiest third of local authority areas, being resident in the unhealthiest third was associated with greater likelihood of not being in paid employment ten years later (RRR 1·25 [95% CI 1·18,1·33]). While area level health was associated with employment outcomes for all major occupation groups, the gap between the healthiest and unhealthiest areas was most marked for skilled trades; process, plant and machine operatives; and elementary occupations. Occupational differences for the economic activity outcome were most marked for the sick/disabled category. Policies to improve the health of local populations may support retention and reduce occupational inequalities in employment rates of older workers. • Health is important for tackling regional inequalities, the notion that ‘health equals wealth’. • Employment outcomes differ by both occupation and the health of local areas. • Living in an unhealthy area exacerbates occupational differences in employment outcomes. • Improving the health of local populations may have broader economic benefits.

Source: Health & Place

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103376

Authors: Jenny Head, Paul Norman, Nicola Shelton, Brian Beach, Emily T. Murray

Institutions: University College London, University of Leeds, University of Essex

Language: English

Topic: Retirement, Disability, and Employment

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,280