More than 9 million work days are lost in the UK because of muscle and back injuries.

A study by The Work Foundation has revealed the true cost of muscle disorders to the European Workforce, and estimates it to be a whopping €240 billion (£219bn) a year.

The groundbreaking study, Fit for Work, found that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for nearly half (49%) of all sickness absences and 60% of permanent work incapacity in the European Union. Together with the socio-economic consequences of suffering ill health, its estimated cost to society is €240bn, representing £7bn in the UK alone.

Stephan Bevan, Managing Director of The Work Foundation, said: “MSD’s clearly have a serious, negative impact on the EU workforce, as they were responsible for millions of lost working days – 9.5 million were lost in one year in the UK alone.

“As Europe now struggles to emerge from the global recession, one consideration policymakers should address is how labour productivity in businesses is being undermined by these often very painful conditions.”

The study concluded that with early detection and intervention in MSDs, the cost burden on governments’ health and disability budgets could be dramatically slashed, and the lives, and thus performance of sufferers will be greatly improved.

TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, commenting on the report said it highlights the very real need for a national occupational health service: “This report highlights what trade unions have been demanding for many years, which is access to early rehabilitation for those muscle and back problems.

“Many of these illnesses are caused or made worse by work. The huge number of cases shows that the current European regulations on manual handling and working on computers are failing to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders.”

A Fit for Work campaign is being launched at the European Parliament today (30 September) with a call to action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients and employees.