A NEW report has highlighted the stark reality of Britain’s health crisis, revealing the towns and cities where the highest proportions of working-age people are unable to work due to sickness.
These areas, dubbed “sickness benefit hotspots”, showcase the challenges many communities face with ill health, poverty, and reduced life expectancy.
2
The data reveals the top 20 areas with the highest percentage of people claiming out-of-work sickness benefits in the first quarter of 2024.
These sickness related benefits include Employment and Support Allowance(ESA) and the newer Universal Credit equivalents.
Topping the list is East Marsh and Port in Grimsby, where a staggering 33% of working age adults are claiming sickness benefits.
This is compounded by additional claims for job-seekers’ allowance and other out-of-work benefits, meaning that 53% of the working age population in this area are reliant on some form of out-of-work benefits.
Life expectancy here is also low at just 70 years old.
Other notable areas include Central Easterhouse in Glasgow (32%), Birkenhead Central(32%), and Drumchapel North, Glasgow(31%).
These regions reflect a similar trend of high sickness benefits, often accompanied by low life expectancy and other socio-economic challenges.
Many of the worst affected areas are former industrial towns and urban centres, where high unemployment and health challenges are deeply interwined.
These communities often face limited access to healthcare, poor housing, and fewer job opportunities.
Life expectancy figures also reveal an alarming health gap, with some areas like East Marsh and Port in Grimsby averaging just 70 years old-well below the national average.
The world bank states that the the national average in the UK is 82 years old.
Greenrock, a historic shipbuilding hub, continues to face the aftermath of industrial decline.
High sickness rates here often overlap with chronic health conditions such as respiratory issues linked to past industrial activity.
Ardrossan Central, reflects the struggles of many smaller Scottish towns.
With limited access to high quality jobs and healthcare, many residents experience long-term illness and a reliance on state benefits, with 30% relying on sickness claims.
Blackpool, a well-known seaside resort town, is seventh on this list, with 51% out of work benefits, indicating that Blackpool is dealing with significant socio-economic challenges, not just health-related ones.
South Promenade and Seasiders Way, is eighth on the list still suffering from high sickness rates.
Seasonal employment tied to tourism creates instability, leaving many residents without steady work or income.
Methil West, located in Fife, is another area facing economic hardship.
Once reliant on coal mining, this town has struggled to adapt to the modern economy.
The lack of job opportunities and legacy industrial decline are reflected in its high sickness claims and lower than average life expectancy.
Alloa South and East, Clackmannanshire, stands out slightly due to its relatively higher life expectancy compared to other towns on the list, with 29% sickness claims and 41% total out of work benefits.
Top 20 areas with the highest proportion of working-age people claiming out-of-work sickness benefits
- East Marsh and Port, Grimsby, 33%
- Central Easterhouse, Glasgow 32%
- Birkenhead Central, 32%
- Drumchapel North, Glasgow, 31%
- Town Centre and East Central, Greenock, 30%
- Ardrossan Central, Ayrshire, 30%
- Central Blackpool,29%
- South Promenade and Seasiders Way, Blackpool
- Methil West, Fife 29%
- Alloa South and East, Clackmannanshire, 29%
- Greenock Upper Central,28%
- Glenwood, Glasgow,28%
- North Barlanark and Easterhouse South, Glasgow, 27%
- Irvine Fullarton, Ayrshire, 27%
- Rhyl North, Denbigshire, 26%
- Ely East, Cardiff,26%
- Central Clacton- 26%
- Dalmarnock, Glasgow, 26%
- Seacombe, Wirral. 26%
- Ayr North Harbour, Wallacetown and Newton South, South Ayrshire, 26%
2
