Employment and unemployment

Unemployment has consistently been found to have a negative impact on health in a variety of ways.

Unemployment is defined as wanting but lacking paid employment, and is normally measured by whether a person is actively seeking and available for work. Unemployment has consistently been found to have a negative impact on health in a variety of ways. Reviews have found links between unemployment and poor self-rated health, with a greater impact on men and people who are unemployed due to health problems, and reduced impact of people with strong social networks. There are similar relationships with poorer mental health, including depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. 

These charts explore the relationship between employment and health, as well as trends and inequalities in employment.