Employment status of referrals to a regional Long COVID service in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Long COVID is a new phenomenon characterised by multiple physical and psychological symptoms, all of which can affect a person's ability to work. There has been evidence that Long COVID disproportionately affects healthcare professionals (HCPs). Aim(s) We analysed the employment status of referrals to the Cheshire and Merseyside Long Covid assessment service. Method(s) Retrospective case note review of referrals received between 01/03/21-30/09/21. Result(s) 1285 referrals analysed, of which 59.2% (761) currently working 19.7% (253) long term sick leave . 10.3% (111) retired 0.7% (9) students, of these 33.3% (3) were on placement within hospitals. . 8.6% (132) were unemployed, of these 15.2% (20) contributed this to Long COVID syndrome 1.48% (19) had no record of employment 20.2% (259) worked for the National Health Service (NHS). Table 1 shows the breakdown by sector. Conclusion(s) The results show the ongoing socio-economic impact of COVID-19. Almost 1/3 of the cohort were unemployed or on long-term sick leave. Furthermore, NHS HCP made up the largest proportion of the long-term sick group. Further work could evaluate the occupational risk associated with Long COVID syndrome, especially in healthcare settings.