Breaking the link between poor health and economic inactivity in Southwark
The 2025 Southwark Annual Public Health Report, published in December 2025, explores how to tackle barriers to employment faced by residents with long term health conditions and disabilities. It highlights the scale of health-related unemployment and economic inactivity in the borough, and draws on evidence from academic research, local case studies, and stakeholders.
As part of this work, Southwark Public Health team partnered with local community research organisation, Sedulous Collective CIC, to co-design a film with residents. The report’s recommendations focus on the role of NHS organisations as employers and on preventing ill-health linked to worklessness through neighbourhood approaches.
Sangeeta Leahy, Director of Public Health Southwark, said,
“Breaking the link between poor health and economic inactivity is vitally important for improving public health and building a strong and fair local economy. The government has recently announced a range of new policies to help people with health conditions and disabilities to find and thrive in work, and I want to ensure that this investment is used in the best way to support Southwark residents.”