Extending working lives for people with musculoskeletal conditions

This project will investigate the viability of extending working lives for people with musculoskeletal conditions.  It is funded in partnership with Versus Arthritis as part of our Oliver Bird Fund.

Why this project is important

Government policies in the UK and internationally are encouraging us to work longer.

Improving work participation has potential economic benefits through increased tax revenue and productivity. Individuals can also see benefits to their health, wellbeing, and happiness through participation in ‘good work’.

However, extending working lives will increase the number of people with musculoskeletal conditions in the workforce, as the prevalence of conditions increases with age. People with musculoskeletal conditions can find it harder to work. One in four people with arthritis reported retiring earlier than they otherwise would have.  

This project will build on the research team’s ‘Healthy Working Life Expectancy’ (HWLE) indicator, which estimates the average number of years that people are expected to be both healthy and working from age 50. Previous analysis for people with osteoarthritis shows that Healthy Working Life Expectancy varies by sociodemographic factors.

The research team will combine multiple datasets to generate HWLE for people with MSK conditions for different geographies and job types, and to:

• identify inequalities
• understand the impact of real-world challenges
• and understand the impact of policies and interventions.   

Research methods

The research will be conducted in three phases: 

1. In phase one, the research team will build a large longitudinal dataset using the Understanding Society study, which collects a range of health and demographic information. Synthesized data for additional health and work variables from other datasets will be incorporated and used to develop probability models for changes over time in a wide range of variables.  

2. During phase two, the novel dataset will be used to calculate up-to-date estimates and projections of HWLE. Drivers and barriers to HWLE will be explored as well as analysis of trajectories in health and work statuses over time for groups with different sociodemographic, health, work, and workplace characteristics. The research team will then model the impact of interventions according to its characteristics and intended target. 

3. Lastly, collaborating with experts, clinicians, government agencies, and the advisory group to identify and prioritize potential interventions and targets to investigate as drivers and barriers of HWLE.  

Outcomes

The research team will work with the advisory group, Department for Work and Pensions, Office for Health Improvements and Disparities, and Health and Safety Executive throughout the project, allowing for maximum policy impact.

The findings will be shared with people with musculoskeletal conditions, government agencies, healthcare professional, statutory bodies, and academics.  

The final report will be available to download on this page.