One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with women six times more likely to suffer from the condition than men. Posing serious implications for the physical, mental and emotional life of those affected, thyroid patients are at greater risk of long-term sick leave and impairment of working ability.
While there is already evidence of the impact that chronic diseases have on various labour market outcomes, comparatively little is known about how thyroid dysfunctions influence the labour market prospects of those affected.
The research was carried out by a team from the University of Aberdeen and used data from Understanding Society to map changes in individuals before and after being diagnosed with thyroid conditions, and compare them to those not affected. The study covered a 10 year period from 2009 to 2018 and found that women who suffer from undetected thyroid issues earn 5% lower wages compared to women with no thyroid dysfunction. Once thyroid issues were diagnosed and treated, the data showed their wages rose. No similar effect was seen on men with thyroid dysfunction.
The researchers also found that women improved their employment prospects once hypothyroidism was diagnosed, but thyroid disease does not appear to play a significant role in participation in the labour market or working hours.
Co-author Professor Alexandros Zangelidis said, “Thyroid dysfunction can easily be identified and, in most cases, treated. The analysis we carried out suggests that, if left undiagnosed, it can have a serious negative impact not only on the health and wellbeing of those concerned but also on their labour market prospects. It emphasises the importance of being tested and the potential labour market benefits that can be achieved through early diagnosis and treatment.”
Read the discussion paper on the University of Aberdeen website.
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