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Effects of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) on Lifestyle Health-Related Behaviors and Mental Health Symptoms in UK-Based Truck Drivers

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare lifestyle health-related behaviors and mental health symptoms between COVID-19 furloughed and non-furloughed UK-based truck drivers. METHODS: 91 Structured Health Intervention For Truckers-UK trial participants completed an online COVID-19-specific survey (May-July 2020); 44 (48%) were furloughed. Survey data were linked with prepandemic baseline and 6-month follow-up measures to examine longitudinal changes. RESULTS: Furloughed drivers reported longer sleep, more frequent nature visits, longer standing time, and greater engagement in new physical activity. Longitudinally, furloughed drivers showed reduced anxiety during lockdown and increased nature visits. However, by 6-month follow-up, once work resumed, anxiety returned to baseline, engagement in new physical activity declined, and chronic fatigue increased. CONCLUSIONS: Furlough was associated with short-term positive health-related behaviors, but these gains were not sustained after drivers returned to work. Lasting health improvements are likely to require structural workplace changes and targeted interventions.
DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003740
Authors: Mohsen Sayyah, Nicola J. Paine, Aron P. Sherry, James A. King, Veronica Varela-Mato, Katharina Ruettger, Amber Guest, Daniel Longman, Colin N. Shaw, Stacy A. Clemes
Institutions: University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, University of Leicester, University of Potsdam, University of Zurich, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health and Care Research
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7155046845
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