Recognized names mentioned in this document
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A. Kim Burton
at University of Huddersfield
On
page 2
of Is work good for your health and well-being? (executive summary)
Kim Burton
at University of Huddersfield
On
page 2
of Is work good for your health and well-being? (executive summary)
Gordon Waddell
at Cardiff University
On
page 2
of Is work good for your health and well-being? (executive summary)
A. Kim Burton
at University of Huddersfield
On
page 2
of Is work good for your health and well-being?
Gordon Waddell
at Cardiff University
On
page 2
of Is work good for your health and well-being?
Kim Burton
at University of Huddersfield
On
page 2
of Is work good for your health and well-being?
All research cited by this document (explore the cited scholarly articles) (explore the cited policy documents)
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Lucien Abenhaim et al. 2000


(Burton 1997; Ferguson & Marras 1997; Davis & Heaney 2000;Abenhaim et al. 2000; National Research Council 2001;Waddell & Burton 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004;Woods 2005; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005) MS4 *** Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work (or remaining at work) are therapeutic and beneficial for health and well-being for most workers with musculoskeletal conditions.
On page 36


(Fordyce 1995;Frank et al. 1996;Abenhaim et al. 2000;de Buck et al. 2002;Staal et al. 2003; Carter & Birrell 2000; Schonstein et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; ARMA 2004; Staal et al. 2003; Cairns & Hotopf 2005) MS5 ** Control (reduction) of the physical demands of work can facilitate work retention for people with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those with specific diseases.
On page 36
Abenhaim L, Rossignol M,Valat JP, Nordin M, Avouac B, Blotman F, Charlot J, Dreiser RL, Legrand E, Rozenberg S,Vautravers P. 2000. The role of activity in the therapeutic management of back pain. Report of the International Paris Task Force on back pain. Spine 25 (4S): 1S-33S.
On page 50
Current Opinion in Rheumatology (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Catherine L. Backman 2004


impact of work on the health of people with musculoskeletal conditions TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions continued (Backman 2004) Work disability in rheumatoid arthritis Narrative review Approximately one-third of people with rheumatoid arthritis will leave employment prematurely.
On page 209
Backman CL. 2004. Employment and work disability in rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 16: 148-152.
On page 51
Journal of Applied Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Boris B. Baltes et al. 1999


et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999; Poissonnet & Véron 2000) on physical and mental health.
On page 21


Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999; Poissonnet & Véron 2000) on physical and mental health.
On page 21


(Baltes et al. 1999) Flexible and compressed workweek schedules: their effects on work-related criteria.
On page 83
Baltes RB, Briggs TE, Huff JW, Wright JA, Neuman GA. 1999. Flexible and compressed workweek schedules: a meta-analysis of their effects on work-related criteria. Journal of Applied Psychology 84: 496-513.
On page 51
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Springer Science and Business Media LLC)
Michael H. Banks 1995


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Hammarström 1994b; Banks 1995; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Lakey 2001; McLean et al. 2005) U14 *** regional deprivation and local unemployment rates.
On page 23


(Banks 1995) Psychological effects of prolonged unemployment: relevance to models of work re-entry following injury Narrative review Integrates research and theory into the psychological effects of unemployment with theoretical models of work disability.
On page 104
Banks MH. 1995. Psychological effects of prolonged unemployment: relevance to models of work re-entry following injury. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 5: 37-53.
On page 51
Psychological Medicine (Cambridge University Press (CUP))
M. H. Banks et al. 1982


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29
Banks MH, Jackson PR. 1982. Unemployment and risk of minor psychiatric disorder in young people: cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence. Psychological Medicine 12: 789-798.
On page 51
Clinical Psychology Review (Elsevier BV)
Anne-Marie Baronet et al. 1998
Baronet A-M, Gerber GJ. 1998. Psychiatric rehabilitation: efficacy of four models. Clinical Psychology Review 18: 189-228.
On page 51
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
M Bartley 1994


(Bartley 1994; Janlert 1997; Shortt 1996; Murphy & Athanasou 1999) There are a number of possible mechanisms by which unemployment might have adverse effects on health (Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996): U7 *** The health effects of unemployment are at least partly mediated through socioeconomic status, (probably relative rather than absolute) poverty and financial anxiety.
On page 22


(Bartley 1994; Hammarström 1994b; Jin et al. 1995) U11 *** One spell of unemployment may be followed by poorer subsequent employment patterns and increased risk of further spells of unemployment - the ‘life course perspective’.
On page 23


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


Unemployment, like social disadvantage and deprivation, is best viewed across a life course perspective (Acheson et al. 1998; Bartley 1994).
On page 31


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Bartley 1994) Unemployment and ill-health: understanding the relationship Conceptual, Four mechanisms need to be considered: narrative review 1.
On page 103
Bartley M. 1994. Unemployment and ill health: understanding the relationship. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 48: 333-337.
On page 51
Psychiatric Services (American Psychiatric Association Publishing)
Richard Barton 1999


(Schneider 1998; Barton 1999; Crowther et al. 2001a; Schneider et al. 2002) M3 ** There is a correlation between working and more positive outcomes in symptom levels, self-esteem, quality of life and social functioning, but a health selection effect is likely and a clear causal relationship has not been established.
On page 32


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4a: Severe mental illness continued (Barton 1999) Psychosocial rehabilitation services in community support systems Meta-analysis The clinical characteristics and service needs of people with serious and persistent mental illness vary over the course of the illness and the individual’s life.
On page 165
Barton R. 1999. Psychosocial rehabilitation services in community support systems: a review of outcomes and policy recommendations. Psychiatric Services 50: 525-534.
On page 51
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
F G Benavides 2000


(Acheson et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999;
On page 21


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (Benavides et al. 2000) How do types of employment relate to health indicators?
On page 84
Benavides FG, Benach J, Diez-Roux AV, Roman C. 2000. How do types of employment relate to health indicators? Findings from the Second European Survey on Working Conditions. J Epidemiol Community Health 54: 494-501.
On page 51
Joseph Rowntree Foundation


The most immediate consequences of unemployment are those experienced by the unemployed and their families, and this burden is highly concentrated in particular groups, mainly unskilled and manual workers (WHO commonly have multiple disadvantages – (Ashworth et al. 2001; Berthoud 2003; Dean 2003; Grewal et al. 2004)).
On page 97
Berthoud R. 2003. Multiple disadvantage in employment. Joseph Rowntree Foundation, London.
On page 51
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Thoroddur Bjarnason et al. 2003


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29
Bjarnason T, Sigurdardottir TJ. 2003. Psychological distress during unemployment and beyond: social support and material deprivation among youth in six northern European countries. Social Science & Medicine 56: 973-985.
On page 52
Scandinavian Journal of Social Welfare (Wiley)
A. Björklund et al. 1998
Björklund A, Eriksson T. 1998. Unemployment and mental health: evience from research in the Nordic countries. Scand J Soc Welfare 7: 219-235.
On page 52
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal (American Psychological Association (APA))
Gary R. Bond 2004


(Crowther et al. 2001a; Bond 2004).
On page 32


(Bond 2004) Supported employment for people with severe mental illness Narrative review Review of 4 studies of the conversion of day treatment to supported employment and 9 RCTs comparing supported employment to a variety of alternative treatments.
On page 167
Bond GR. 2004. Supported employment: evidence for an evidence-based practice. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal 27: 345-359.
On page 52
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Gary R. Bond et al. 2001


Found additional, limited evidence (Bond et al. 2001) that clients WHO did a substantial amount of competitive employment had greater satisfaction with vocational services, finances and leisure activities, and showed greater improvement in self-esteem and psychiatric symptoms.
On page 166
Bond GR, Resnick SG, Drake RE, Xie H, McHugo GJ, Bebout RR. 2001. Does competitive employment improve nonvocational outcomes for people with severe mental illness? Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 69: 489-501.
On page 52
National Bureau of Economic Research (National Bureau of Economic Research)
John Bound 1989


(Bound 1989;Caplan et al. 1989;Proudfoot et al. 1997;Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) SS2 ** Claimants WHO move off benefits and (re-)enter work generally have increased income.
On page 40


(Bound 1989) The health and earnings of rejected disability insurance applicants Econometric study (Based on 1972 and 1978 Disability Surveys) Of male applicants aged >45 years for Social Security Disability US Benefits WHO were rejected on medical grounds, <1/3rd were working at the time of survey and <50% had worked during the previous year.
On page 234
Bound J. 1989. The health and earnings of rejected disability insurance applicants. American Economic Review 79: 482-503.
On page 52
British Journal of Medical Psychology (Wiley)
Alan Branthwaite et al. 1985
Branthwaite A, Garcia S. 1985. Depression in the young unemployed and those on Youth Opportunities Schemes. British Journal of Medical Psychology 58: 67-74.
On page 52
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
M.Harvey Brenner et al. 1983


asic concept that work is beneficial for health and well-being: W1 *** Employment is generally the most important means of obtaining adequate economic resources, which are essential for material well-being and full participation in today’s society Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004; Layard 2004; Coats & Max 2005) Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) W2 *** Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm Table 1a: (Dodu 2005),Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987) W3 *** Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004) Table 1b: (Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) W4 *** At the same tim
On page 20


er & Mooney 1983; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) W2 *** Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm Table 1a: (Dodu 2005),Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987) W3 *** Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004) Table 1b: (Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) W4 *** At the same time, various aspects of work can be a hazard and pose a risk to health Table 1a: (Coggon 1994; Snashall 2003; HSC 2002; HSC 2004) Logically, then, the nature and quality of work is important for health (WHO 1995; HDA 2004; Cox et al. 2004; Shah & Marks 2004; Layard 2004; Dodu 2005; Coats & Max 2005)).
On page 20


(Brenner & Mooney 1983; Platt 1984; Jin et al. 1995; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002) U2 ** Poorer physical health (Mathers & Schofield 1998): e.g. cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and serum cholesterol (Jin et al. 1995), and susceptibility to respiratory infections (Cohen 1999).
On page 22


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Hammarström 1994b; Banks 1995; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Lakey 2001; McLean et al. 2005) U14 *** regional deprivation and local unemployment rates. (Brenner & Mooney 1983; McLean et al. 2005; Ritchie et al. 2005) These factors may have positive, negative or sometimes quite complex effects on the health impact of unemployment.
On page 23
Brenner MH, Mooney A. 1983. Unemployment and health in the context of economic change. Soc Sci Med 17: 1125-1138.
On page 52
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Veronika Brezinka et al. 1996
Brezinka V, Kittel F. 1995. Psychosocial factors of coronary heart disease in women: a review. Soc Sci Med 42: 1351-1365.
On page 53
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
R. B. Briner 2000


osocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 2005).
On page 34


Stress’ is both part of and reflects a wider process of interaction between the person (worker) and their (work) environment (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Payne 1999; Cox et al. 2000b) • Work can have both positive and negative effects on mental health and well-being (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; HSE/HSL 2005) This review did not retrieve any direct evidence on the relative balance of beneficial vs.
On page 35


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35


(Briner 2000) Relationships between work environments, psychological environments and psychological well-being.
On page 184
Briner RB. 2000. Relationships between work environments, psychological environments and psychological well-being. Occupational Medicine 50: 299-303.
On page 53
Journal of Organizational Behavior (Wiley)
Rob B. Briner et al. 1999
Briner RB, Reynolds S. 1999. The costs, benefits, and limitations of organizational level stress interventions. Journal of Organizational Behavior 20: 647-664.
On page 53


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


(Burton 1997; Ferguson & Marras 1997; Davis & Heaney 2000;Abenhaim et al. 2000; National Research Council 2001;Waddell & Burton 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004;Woods 2005; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005) MS4 *** Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work (or remaining at work) are therapeutic and beneficial for health and well-being for most workers with musculoskeletal conditions.
On page 36


TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions continued (Burton 1997) Back injury and work loss Narrative review Took the stance that much work is physically demanding and may (frequently) lead to some discomfort and pain – these transient symptoms may be a normal consequence of life, but a proportion of people will have difficulty managing their symptoms.
On page 197
Burton AK. 1997. Back injury and work loss. Biomechanical and psychosocial influences. Spine 22: 2575-2580.
On page 53
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
Wayne Burton et al. 2006


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


(Burton et al. 2006) Employment and rheumatoid arthritis Systematic review The 38 studies included in the review concerned subjects ?
On page 215
Burton W, Morrison A, Maclean R, Ruderman E. 2006. Systematic review of studies of productivity loss due to rheumatoid arthritis. Occupational Medicine 56: 18-27.
On page 53
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
R. Cairns et al. 2005


(Fordyce 1995;Frank et al. 1996;Abenhaim et al. 2000;de Buck et al. 2002;Staal et al. 2003; Carter & Birrell 2000; Schonstein et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; ARMA 2004; Staal et al. 2003; Cairns & Hotopf 2005) MS5 ** Control (reduction) of the physical demands of work can facilitate work retention for people with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those with specific diseases.
On page 36
Cairns R, Hotopf M. 2005. A systematic review describing the prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Occupational Medicine 55: 20-31.
On page 53
Job seeking, reemployment, and mental health: A randomized field experiment in coping with job loss.
Journal of Applied Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Robert D. Caplan et al. 1989


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


(Bound 1989;Caplan et al. 1989;Proudfoot et al. 1997;Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) SS2 ** Claimants WHO move off benefits and (re-)enter work generally have increased income.
On page 40


(Moylan et al. 1984; Caplan et al. 1989; Garman et al. 1992; Dorsett et al. 1998) SS3 ** Moving off benefits and (re-)entering work is generally associated with improved psychological health and quality of life.
On page 40


(Caplan et al. 1989; Erens & Ghate 1993;Vinokur et al. 1995; Rowlingson & Berthoud 1996; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) There is conflicting evidence on the extent to which this is a health selection effect or cause and effect: probably both occur.
On page 40


HEALTH IMPACTS OF EMPLOYMENT, RE-EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT Study Population/setting Follow-up Health measures Key findings on re-employment (Additional reviewers' comments in italics) Table 2b: Adults (Age ~25 to ~ 50 years) continued (Caplan et al. 1989) 928 recently 1 & 4 months Quality of life, (Randomized field experiment of training in job (Vinokur et al. unemployed adults Hopkins Symptom seeking, problem solving and reinforcement).
On page 130


TABLE 7: HEALTH AFTER MOVING OFF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits continued (Caplan et al. 1989) A randomized field experiment (“JOBS“) in coping with job loss (Vinokur et al. 928 recently unemployed adults were randomised to training in job seeking, problem solving, and reinforcement, 1991b), (Vinokur on the basis that improved motivation and skills would increase job-seeking behaviour and outcomes.
On page 235


In contrast to JOBS (Caplan et al 1989), the JOBSII intervention did not demonstrate any improvement in quality of work, possibly due to the different economic situation.
On page 238


(Vuori et al. 2002) The Tyophon job search programme in Finland Randomized Replication of the JOBS (Caplan et al 1989) and JOBSII (Vinokur et al 1995) programs in Michigan, USA.
On page 243
Caplan RD, Vinokur AD, Price RH, van Ryn M. 1989. Job seeking, reemployment, and mental health: a randomized field experiment in coping with job loss. Journal of Applied Psychology 74: 759-769.
On page 53
American Journal of Public Health (American Public Health Association)
R Catalano 1991


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Catalano 1991) The health effects of economic insecurity Systematic review Economic insecurity includes recession, rising unemployment rates and job loss (though economic insecurity was not precisely defined nor operationalised for this review).
On page 101
Catalano R. 1991. The health effects of economic insecurity. American Journal of Public Health 81: 1148-1152.
On page 53
Annual Review of Public Health (Annual Reviews)
Thomas N. Chirikos 1993


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work (Chirikos 1993) The relationship between health and labour market status Review of economic That the health of an individual will affect his or her labour market status and productivity seems self-evident studies based on a priori reasoning and casual observation.
On page 80
Chirikos TN. 1993. The relationship between health and labor market status. Annu Rev Public Health 14: 293-312.
On page 54
Addiction (Wiley)
Bjorgulf Claussen 1999


(Claussen et al. 310 sample of Baseline, 2- and Psychometric testing, There was considerable health related selection 1993) 17-63 year-old 5-year Hopkins symptom to re-employment, in terms of psychological (Claussen 1999) registered check list, GHQ, distress and medical diagnosis: a psychiatric Norway unemployed medical examination diagnosis was associated with a 70% reduction >12 weeks and normal psychometric tests with 2-3times
On page 132
Claussen B. 1999. Alcohol disorders and re-employment in a 5-year follow-up of long-term unemployed. Addiction 94: 133-138.
On page 54
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
B Claussen et al. 1993


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


Three studies suggest that it is at least partly due to health selection (Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Mean Patterson 1997).
On page 30
Claussen B, Bjørndal A, Hjort PF. 1993. Health and re-employment in a two year follow up of long term unemployed. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 47: 14-18.
On page 54
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Wiley)
SHELDON COHEN 1999


(Brenner & Mooney 1983; Platt 1984; Jin et al. 1995; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002) U2 ** Poorer physical health (Mathers & Schofield 1998): e.g. cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and serum cholesterol (Jin et al. 1995), and susceptibility to respiratory infections (Cohen 1999).
On page 22


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


(Cohen 1999) Social status and susceptibility to respiratory infections Narrative review Lower social status (including unemployment, perceived and observed social status) in human adults and children and other primates is associated with increased risk of respiratory infections, thought to be due to a combination of increased exposure to infectious agents and decreased host resistance to infection.
On page 107
Cohen S. 1999. Social status and susceptibility to respiratory infections. Annals New York Academy of Sciences 896: 246-253.
On page 54
Social Psychology (JSTOR)
Richard M. Cohn 1978


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


HEALTH IMPACTS OF EMPLOYMENT, RE-EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT Study Population/setting Follow-up Health measures Key findings on re-employment (Additional reviewers' comments in italics) Table 2b: Adults (Age ~25 to ~ 50 years) (Cohn 1978) National family Baseline & 1 year Self-satisfaction Becoming unemployed leads to greater US panel sample dissatisfaction with self.
On page 127
Cohn RM. 1978. The effect of employment status change on self-attitudes. Social Psychology 41: 81-93.
On page 54
Work & Stress (Informa UK Limited)
Tom Cox * et al. 2004


Table 1a: (Dodu 2005),Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987) W3 *** Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004) Table 1b: (Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) W4 *** At the same time, various aspects of work can be a hazard and pose a risk to health Table 1a: (Coggon 1994; Snashall 2003; HSC 2002; HSC 2004) Logically, then, the nature and quality of work is important for health (WHO 1995; HDA 2004; Cox et al. 2004; Shah & Marks 2004; Layard 2004; Dodu 2005; Coats & Max 2005)).
On page 20


(Cox et al. 2004) Work, employment and mental health in Europe Policy paper Occupational health is concerned with understanding the dynamic relationship between work on the one hand and health on the other, and with protecting and promoting health by exploiting this relationship.
On page 90
Cox T, Leka S, Ivanov I, Kortum E. 2004. Work, employment and mental health in Europe. Work & Stress 18: 179-185.
On page 55
Work & Stress (Informa UK Limited)
2005
Cox T, Tisserand M, Tarls T. 2005. The conceptualisation and measurement of burnout: questions and directions. Editorial. Work & Stress 19: 187-191.
On page 55
Journal of Business and Psychology (Springer Science and Business Media LLC)
Joan E. Crowley 1986


Table 1a: (Acheson et al. 1998),Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000) Table 2c: (Ekerdt et al. 1983; Crowley 1986; Mein et al. 2003) A12 ** Workers in lower and middle socioeconomic groups, those WHO are compulsorily retired or those WHO face economic insecurity in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) can experience detrimental effects on health and well-being and survival rates.
On page 27


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Gallo et al. 2000; Gallo et al. 2001; Gallo et al. 2004;Tsai et al. 2005) A13 * Workers in higher socio-economic groups, those WHO retire voluntarily or those WHO are economically secure in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) may experience beneficial effects on health and well-being but there is some conflicting evidence.
On page 27


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Mein et al. 2003) (Morris et al. 1992).
On page 27
Crowley JE. 1986. Longitudinal effects of retirement on men’s well-being and health. Journal of Business and Psychology 1: 95-113.
On page 55
BMJ (BMJ)
R. E Crowther 2001
Crowther RE, Marshall M, Bond GR, Huxley P. 2001b. Helping people with severe mental illness to obtain work: systematic review. BMJ 322: 204-208.
On page 55
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Springer Nature)
Jennifer C. D’Souza et al. 2005
D’Souza JC, Franzblau A, Werner RA. 2005. Review of epidemiologic studies on occupational factors and lower extremity musculoskeletal and vascular disorders and symptoms. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 15: 129-165.
On page 55
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America (Elsevier BV)
William A. Dafoe et al. 1995


Table 6a: (Wenger et al. 1995; Dafoe & Cupper 1995) Table 6b: (Hyman 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005) CR4 * There is limited evidence that rehabilitation and return to work for workers with cardio-respiratory conditions can be beneficial for general health and well-being and quality of life.
On page 39


Table 6a: (Brezinka & Kittel 1995; Dafoe & Cupper 1995) Table 6b: (Gibson et al. 2003; Lacasse et al. 2003; Hyman 2005) CR5 *** Prevention of further exposure is fundamental to the clinical management and rehabilitation of occupational asthma.
On page 39
Dafoe WA, Cupper L. 1995. Vocational considerations and return to work. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America 6: 191-204.
On page 55
Policy Studies (Informa UK Limited)
W.W. Daniel 1983


(Daniel 1983;Ashworth et al. 2001; Hedges & Sykes 2001; Juvonen-Posti et al. 2002; Bacon 2002; Bowling et al. 2004) SS5 *** Claimants whose benefit claims are disallowed often do not return to work but cycle between different benefits and often report a deterioration in mental health, quality of life and well-being.
On page 40


TABLE 7: HEALTH AFTER MOVING OFF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits (Daniel 1983) How the unemployed fare after they find new jobs Policy study The original Beveridge proposals assumed that unemployment was usually transient and that most people UK would rapidly return to work.
On page 233
Daniel WW. 1983. How the unemployed fare after they find new jobs. Policy Studies 3: 246-260.
On page 55
Journal of Management (SAGE Publications)
K Danna 1999
Danna K, Griffin RW. 1999. Health and well-being in the workplace: a review and synthesis of the literature. Journal of Management 25: 357-384.
On page 55
Clinical Biomechanics (Elsevier BV)
Kermit G Davis et al. 2000


(Burton 1997; Ferguson & Marras 1997; Davis & Heaney 2000;Abenhaim et al. 2000; National Research Council 2001;Waddell & Burton 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004;Woods 2005; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005) MS4 *** Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work (or remaining at work) are therapeutic and beneficial for health and well-being for most workers with musculoskeletal conditions.
On page 36
Davis KG, Heaney CA. 2000. The relationship between psychosocial work characteristcs and low back pain: underlying methodological issues. Clin Biomech 15: 389-406.
On page 55
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism (Elsevier BV)
Petronella D.M. de Buck et al. 2002


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


(Fordyce 1995;Frank et al. 1996;Abenhaim et al. 2000;de Buck et al. 2002;Staal et al. 2003; Carter & Birrell 2000; Schonstein et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; ARMA 2004; Staal et al. 2003; Cairns & Hotopf 2005) MS5 ** Control (reduction) of the physical demands of work can facilitate work retention for people with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those with specific diseases.
On page 36


(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 36


(de Buck et al. 2002) Rehabilitation for chronic rheumatic diseases Systematic review Work disability is a major consequence of disease in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, spondylarthropathy).
On page 202
de Buck PDM, Schoones JW, Allaire SH, Vliet Vlieland TPM. 2002. Vocational rehabilitation in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 32: 196-203.
On page 55
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (BMJ)
E M de Croon 2004


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 36


(de Croon et al. 2004) Prediction of work disability in rheumatoid arthritis Systematic review Work disability is a common outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and is a societal and individual problem (financial costs, loss of status).
On page 209
de Croon EM, Sluiter JK, Nijssen TF, Dijkmans BAC, Lankhorst GJ, Frings-Dresen MHW. 2004. Predictive factors of work disability in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review. Ann Rheum Dis 63: 1362-1367.
On page 55
Journal of Applied Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Carsten K. W. De Dreu et al. 2003
De Dreu CKW, Weingart LR. 2003. Task versus relationship conflict, team performance, and team member satisfaction: a meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology 88: 741-749.
On page 55
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Annet H. de Lange et al. 2003


M7 *** Cross-sectional studies show an association between various psychosocial characteristics of work (job satisfaction, job demands/control, effort/reward, social support) and various subjective measures of general health and psychological well-being (van der Doef & Maes 1999;Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005) Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 33


(Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005; Bond et al. 2006) The conceptual problem is the circularity in stimulus-response definitions: stressors are any (job) demands associated with adverse stress responses; stress responses are any adverse (health) effects attributed to stressors.
On page 34


(de Lange et al. 2003) The demand-control-support model Systematic review Review of 45 longitudinal studies, of which 19 were considered to be of sufficient quality on all methodological criteria.
On page 176


(See (Rick et al. 2001; Rick et al. 2002; de Lange et al. 2003)).
On page 189
de Lange AH, Taris TW, Kompier MAJ, Houtman ILD. 2003.“The very best of the millennium”: Longitudinal research and the demand-control-(support) model. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology 8: 282-305.
On page 56
Journal of Social Policy (Cambridge University Press (CUP))
HARTLEY DEAN 2003
Dean H. 2003. Re-conceptualising welfare-to-work for people with multiple problems and needs.J Social Policy 32: 441-459.
On page 56
American Psychologist (American Psychological Association (APA))
Ed Diener 2000


It includes physical, material, social, emotional (‘happiness’), and development & activity dimensions (Felce & Perry 1995; Danna & Griffin 1999; Diener 2000).
On page 15
Diener E. 2000. Subjective well-being. The science of happiness and a proposal for a national index. American Psychologist 55: 34-43.
On page 56
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (Wiley)
Andrew Donovan et al. 1986


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29
Donovan A, Oddy M, Pardoe R, Ades A. 1986. Employment status and psychological well-being: a longitudinal study of 16-year-old school leavers. J Child Psychol Psychiat 27: 65-76.
On page 56
American Journal of Community Psychology (Wiley)
David Dooley 2003


(Dooley 2003; Layard 2004; Coats & Max 2005) W7 *** There is a powerful social gradient in physical and mental health and mortality, which probably outweighs (and is confounded with) all other work characteristics that influence health.
On page 21


(Acheson et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999;
On page 21


(Dooley 2003) Unemployment, underemployment, and mental health: conceptualizing employment status as a continuum Narrative & Underemployment is defined as including both unemployment and economically inadequate types of conceptual review employment.
On page 86
Dooley D. 2003. Unemployment, underemployment, and mental health: conceptualizing employment status as a continuum. American Journal of Community Psychology 32: 9-20.
On page 56
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (Wiley)
David Dooley et al. 1995


(Patton & Noller 1984; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Patton & Noller 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Dooley & Prause 1995; Schaufeli 1997) R4 ** After re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 29
Dooley D, Prause J. 1995. Effect of unemployment on school leavers’ self-esteem. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psycholoy 68: 177-192.
On page 56
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Jeffrey R. Edwards et al. 1988


osocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 2005).
On page 34


Stress’ is both part of and reflects a wider process of interaction between the person (worker) and their (work) environment (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Payne 1999; Cox et al. 2000b) • Work can have both positive and negative effects on mental health and well-being (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; HSE/HSL 2005) This review did not retrieve any direct evidence on the relative balance of beneficial vs.
On page 35
Edwards JR, Cooper CL. 1988. The impacts of positive psychological states on physical health: a review and theoretical framework. Soc Sci Med 27: 1447-1459.
On page 57


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (Klumb & Women, work and well-being Lampert 2004) Review of research on the impact of employment on women’s physical and mental health, including 140 studies Systematic review (though only 13 were methodologically-sound, longitudinal studies with multivariate analysis controlling for covariates and providing effect sizes).
On page 92
EFILWC. 2004. Employment and disability: back to work strategies - summary. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Dublin. www.eurofound.eu.int/publications/files/EF041152EN.pdf (accessed 9 December 2005), www.eurofound.eu.int/publications/files/EF0499EN.pdf (accessed 9 December 2005).
On page 57
Psychological Bulletin (American Psychological Association (APA))
P. Eisenberg et al. 1938


Stages’ models (Eisenberg & Lazarsfeld 1938): these really offer a descriptive framework rather than theoretical understanding or models of processes or mechanisms.
On page 102
Eisenberg P, Lazarsfeld F. 1938. The psychological effects of unemployment. Psychol Bull 35: 358-390.
On page 57
Journal of Gerontology (Oxford University Press (OUP))
D. J. Ekerdt et al. 1983


Table 1a: (Acheson et al. 1998),Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000) Table 2c: (Ekerdt et al. 1983; Crowley 1986; Mein et al. 2003) A12 ** Workers in lower and middle socioeconomic groups, those WHO are compulsorily retired or those WHO face economic insecurity in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) can experience detrimental effects on health and well-being and survival rates.
On page 27


(Ekerdt et al. 1983) 263 male retirees 3 years Perceived health Compared 114 men WHO claimed retirement USA (from long-term effects of retirement had a good effect on health with 149 men WHO community survey) c
On page 137
Ekerdt DJ, Bosse R, LoCastro JS. 1983. Claims that retirement improves health. Journal of Gerontology 38: 231-236.
On page 57
Work & Stress (Informa UK Limited)
Hege R. Eriksen et al. 1999
Eriksen HR, Ursin H. 1999. Subjective health complaints: is coping more important than control? Work & Stress 13: 238-252.
On page 58
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology (Wiley)
Hege R. Eriksen et al. 2002
Eriksen HR, Ursin H. 2002. Sensitization and subjective health complaints. Scand J Psychology 43: 189-196.
On page 58
Journal of Psychosomatic Research (Elsevier BV)
H.R Eriksen et al. 2004


Personal perceptions, cognitions and emotions are central to the experience of ‘stress’ (Cox et al. 2000b; Rick et al. 2001; Rick et al. 2002; Ursin & Eriksen 2004).
On page 35
Eriksen HR, Ursin H. 2004. Subjective health complaints, sensitization, and sustained cognitive activation (stress). Journal of Psychosomatic Research 56: 445-448.
On page 58
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Douglas Ezzy 1993


er & Mooney 1983; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) W2 *** Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm Table 1a: (Dodu 2005),Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987) W3 *** Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004) Table 1b: (Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) W4 *** At the same time, various aspects of work can be a hazard and pose a risk to health Table 1a: (Coggon 1994; Snashall 2003; HSC 2002; HSC 2004) Logically, then, the nature and quality of work is important for health (WHO 1995; HDA 2004; Cox et al. 2004; Shah & Marks 2004; Layard 2004; Dodu 2005; Coats & Max 2005)).
On page 20


(Ezzy 1993; Jin et al. 1995) 12 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 22


(Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993) U10 * There is conflicting evidence that unemployment is associated with altered health-related behaviour (e.g. smoking, alcohol, exercise).
On page 23


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Hammarström 1994b; Banks 1995; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Lakey 2001; McLean et al. 2005) U14 *** regional deprivation and local unemployment rates.
On page 23


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) Review findings 13 Overall, there is extensive evidence that there are strong links between unemployment and poorer physical and mental health and mortality.
On page 23


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Ezzy 1993) Unemployment and mental health: a critical review Theoretical & Simplistic descriptions of work as ‘good’ and unemployment as ‘bad’ do not adequately explain the observed conceptual narrative effects of unemployment on mental health.
On page 102


(Highly technical economic modelling, with extensive debate about the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology (e.g. see (Platt 1984; Wagstaff 1985; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996)).
On page 111
Ezzy D. 1993. Unemployment and mental health: a critical review. Soc Sci Med 37: 41-52.
On page 58
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
E B Faragher 2005


M7 *** Cross-sectional studies show an association between various psychosocial characteristics of work (job satisfaction, job demands/control, effort/reward, social support) and various subjective measures of general health and psychological well-being (van der Doef & Maes 1999;Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005) Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 33


Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 34


(Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005; Bond et al. 2006) The conceptual problem is the circularity in stimulus-response definitions: stressors are any (job) demands associated with adverse stress responses; stress responses are any adverse (health) effects attributed to stressors.
On page 34


All 7 studies of ‘job-related wellbeing’ found a strong association between ERI and measures such as ‘burnout’, job satisfaction and work motivation (though all 7 were cross-sectional studies and there is probable confounding in these measures) (Also in Table 6) (Faragher et al. 2005) The relationship between job satisfaction and health Systematic review Job satisfaction shows the strongest relationship to employee health of any psychosocial characteristic of and meta-analysis work that these authors evaluated.
On page 177
Faragher EB, Cass M, Cooper CL. 2005. The relationship between job satisfaction and health: a meta-analysis. Occup Environ Med 62: 105-112.
On page 58
British Journal of Psychology (Wiley)
N. T. Feather et al. 1986


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29


(Patton & Noller 1984; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Patton & Noller 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Dooley & Prause 1995; Schaufeli 1997) R4 ** After re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 29
Feather NT, O’Brien GE. 1986. A longitudinal analysis of the effects of different patterns of employment and unemployment on school-leavers. British Journal of Psychology 77: 459-479.
On page 58
Research in Developmental Disabilities (Elsevier BV)
David Felce et al. 1995


It includes physical, material, social, emotional (‘happiness’), and development & activity dimensions (Felce & Perry 1995; Danna & Griffin 1999; Diener 2000).
On page 15
Felce D, Perry J. 1995. Quality of life: its definition and measurement. Research in Developmental Disibilities 16: 51-74.
On page 58
Baillière's Clinical Rheumatology (Elsevier BV)
D.T. Felson 1994


TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions (Felson 1994) Occupation-related physical factors and arthritis Narrative review Occupational physical activities over many years can induce osteoarthritis in selected joints (notably the knee and spine in miners; the hip in farmers; upper extremity joints in pneumatic drill operators).
On page 195
Felson DT. 1994. Do occupation-related physical factors contribute to arthritis? Baillière’s Clinical Rheumatology 8: 63-77.
On page 58
Clinical Biomechanics (Elsevier BV)
SA Ferguson et al. 1997


(Burton 1997; Ferguson & Marras 1997; Davis & Heaney 2000;Abenhaim et al. 2000; National Research Council 2001;Waddell & Burton 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004;Woods 2005; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005) MS4 *** Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work (or remaining at work) are therapeutic and beneficial for health and well-being for most workers with musculoskeletal conditions.
On page 36
Ferguson SS, Marras WS. 1997. A literature review of low back disorder surveillance measures and risk factors. Clin Biomech 12: 211-226.
On page 58
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (SAGE Publications)
Jane E Ferrie 2001


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


(Virtanen 1993; Ferrie et al. 2001) R9 ** Even after re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 30


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (Ferrie 1999) Health consequences of job insecurity Conceptual narrative The most important element of job insecurity is the employee’s perception that his or her job is not safe: the job review insecurity experience then depends on the perceived probability of losing one’s job and the perceived severity of (Ferrie 2001) the effects.
On page 83


(Ferrie et al. 2001) 666 civil servants 18 months GHQ, Those WHO returned to secure employment UK in privatized self-rated health, had significantly better general health, less department GP visits
On page 135
Ferrie JE. 2001. Is job insecurity harmful to health? J R Soc Med 94: 71-76.
On page 58
BMJ (BMJ)
J. E Ferrie 2001


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


(Virtanen 1993; Ferrie et al. 2001) R9 ** Even after re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 30


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (Ferrie 1999) Health consequences of job insecurity Conceptual narrative The most important element of job insecurity is the employee’s perception that his or her job is not safe: the job review insecurity experience then depends on the perceived probability of losing one’s job and the perceived severity of (Ferrie 2001) the effects.
On page 83


(Ferrie et al. 2001) 666 civil servants 18 months GHQ, Those WHO returned to secure employment UK in privatized self-rated health, had significantly better general health, less department GP visits
On page 135
Ferrie JE, Martikainen P, Shipley MJ, Marmot MG, Stansfeld SA, Smith GD. 2001. Employment status and health after privatisation in white collar civil servants: prospective cohort study. BMJ 322: 647-651.
On page 58
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
J E Ferrie 2002


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29
Ferrie JE, Shipley MJ, Stansfeld SA, Marmot MG. 2002. Effects of chronic job insecurity and change in job security on self reported health, minor psychiatric morbidity, physiological measures, and health related behaviours in British civil servants: the Whitehall II study. J Epidemiol Community Health 56: 450-454.
On page 58
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Judith Fifield et al. 1991


Most people with musculoskeletal conditions continue to work; many patients with severe musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis remain at work and experience health benefits (Fifield et al. 1991).
On page 37
Fifield J, Reisine ST, Grady K. 1991. Work disability and the experience of pain and depression in rheumatoid arthritis. Soc Sci Med 33: 579-585.
On page 59
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Springer Nature)
Renée-Louise Franche et al. 2005


This may be described as a ‘best evidence synthesis’, which summarises the available literature and draws conclusions about the balance of evidence, based on its quality, quantity and consistency (Slavin 1995; Franche et al. 2005).
On page 17


(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 36


(ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; Staal et al. 2003; Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Henriksson et al. 2005; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) Four main themes emerged from the evidence: (a) the high background prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the general population; (b) work can be a risk factor for musculoskeletal conditions; (c) the important modifying influence of psychosocial factors; and (d) the need to combine clinical and occupational strategies in the secondary prevention of chronic disability.
On page 37


(Franche et al. 2005) Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative literature.
On page 162


TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions continued (Franche et al. 2005) Workplace-based return-to-work interventions.
On page 213


An alternative approach is a ‘best evidence synthesis’, which summarises the best available evidence and draws conclusions about the balance of evidence, based on its quality, quantity and consistency (Slavin 1995; Franche et al. 2005).
On page 252
Franche RL, Cullen K, Clarke J, Irvin E, Sinclair S, Frank J, The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) Workplace-Based RTW Intervention Literature Review Research Team. 2005. Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative literature. J Occup Rehabil 15: 607-631.
On page 59
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
John W. Frank et al. 1996


(Fordyce 1995;Frank et al. 1996;Abenhaim et al. 2000;de Buck et al. 2002;Staal et al. 2003; Carter & Birrell 2000; Schonstein et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; ARMA 2004; Staal et al. 2003; Cairns & Hotopf 2005) MS5 ** Control (reduction) of the physical demands of work can facilitate work retention for people with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those with specific diseases.
On page 36


(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 36


Table 5: the impact of work on the health of people with musculoskeletal conditions 185 TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions continued (Frank et al. 1996) Secondary prevention of disability in occupational back pain Narrative review A review of the natural history of low back pain (LBP) and the risk factors for chronic disability, as the basis for secondary interventions to reduce the duration of occupational disability.
On page 196
Frank JW, Brooker AS, DeMaio SE, Kerr MS, Maetzel A, Shannon HS, Sullivan TJ, Norman RW, Wells RP. 1996. Disability resulting from occupational low back pain: Part II: what do we know about secondary prevention? a review of the scientific evidence on prevention after disability begins.Spine 21: 2918-2929.
On page 59
Journal of Sports Sciences (Informa UK Limited)
Barry A. Franklin et al. 1998


(Franklin et al. 1998) Changing paradigms and perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation Narrative review Risk stratification has emerged as the centrepiece of strategies aimed at stabilising or enhancing the clinical status of POST-myocardial infarction patients, as well as vocational counselling.
On page 223
Franklin BA, Bonzheim K, Gordon S, Timmis GC. 1998. Rehabilitation of cardiac patients in the twenty-first century: Changing paradigms and perceptions. Journal of Sports Sciences 16: S57-S70.
On page 59
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Michael Frese 1987


Table 2c: (Frese 1987; Reitzes et al. 1996) Demographic trends mean that older workers form an increasing proportion of the workforce.
On page 27


(Frese & Mohr 51 unemployed Baseline & Financial problems, Those WHO were re-employed or WHO took 1987) blue-collar workers 18 months general activity level, early retirement showed improvements in (Frese 1987) aged >45 years depression, control financial problems and depression, while those Germany WHO remained unemployed or WHO were temporarily re-employed and then unemployed again showed deterioration in financial
On page 138
Frese M. 1987. Alleviating depression in the unemployed: adequate financial support, hope and early retirement. Soc Sci Med 25: 213-215.
On page 59
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Michael Frese et al. 1987


Table 2c: (Frese 1987; Reitzes et al. 1996) Demographic trends mean that older workers form an increasing proportion of the workforce.
On page 27


(Frese & Mohr 1987; Gallo et al. 2000; Pattani et al. 2004) The studies in Table 2 provide strong evidence that re-employment leads to improved health in all age groups.
On page 30


(Frese & Mohr 51 unemployed Baseline & Financial problems, Those WHO were re-employed or WHO took 1987) blue-collar workers 18 months general activity level, early retirement showed improvements in (Frese 1987) aged >45 years depression, control financial problems and depression, while those Germany WHO remained unemployed or WHO were temporarily re-employed and then unemployed again showed deterioration in financial
On page 138
Frese M, Mohr G. 1987. Prolonged unemployment and depression in older workers: a longitudinal study of intervening variables. Soc Sci Med 25: 173-178.
On page 59
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology (Springer Nature)
Tom Fryers et al. 2003


(Acheson et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence abou
On page 21


(Platt 1984; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Fryers et al. 2003) U5 ** Higher medical consultation, medication consumption and hospital admission rates.
On page 22


Table 4: The impact of work on the health of people with mental health conditions 159 TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4b: Minor/moderate mental health problems continued (Fryers et al. 2003) Social inequalities and the common mental disorders: a systematic review of the evidence Systematic review The focus of this review was on less severe ‘common mental disorders’ - ‘neurotic’ conditions dominated by anxiety, depression or a combination of both – which contribute substantially to all morbidity.
On page 170
Fryers T, Melzer D, Jenkins R. 2003. Social inequalities and the common mental disorders. A systematic review of the evidence. Soc Psychiatr Epidemiol 38: 229-237.
On page 59
American Journal of Industrial Medicine (Wiley)
William T. Gallo et al. 2004


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Gallo et al. 2000; Gallo et al. 2001; Gallo et al. 2004;Tsai et al. 2005) A13 * Workers in higher socio-economic groups, those WHO retire voluntarily or those WHO are economically secure in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) may experience beneficial effects on health and well-being but there is some conflicting evidence.
On page 27


The available evidence suggests that continuing to work, at least up to state retirement age, is not harmful to health or mortality in older workers (Gallo et al. 2004; Tsai et al. 2005; Pattani et al. 2004).
On page 27


Furthermore, the limited evidence that is available suggests there may be some general health benefit (Brezinka & Kittel 1995) and this may extend to remaining in work (Gallo et al. 2004).
On page 39


(Gallo et al. 2004) 4,220 older workers Baseline & 2, 4, Myocardial Those WHO remained in continuous US aged 51-61 years 6 years infarction employment had less than half the relative - 457 had
On page 141
Gallo WT, Bradley EH, Falba TA, Dubin JA, Cramer LD, Bogardus Jr ST, Kasl SV. 2004. Involuntary job loss as a risk factor for subsequent myocardial infarction and stroke: findings from the health and retirement survey. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 45: 408-416.
On page 60
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences (Oxford University Press (OUP))
W. T. Gallo et al. 2000


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Gallo et al. 2000; Gallo et al. 2001; Gallo et al. 2004;Tsai et al. 2005) A13 * Workers in higher socio-economic groups, those WHO retire voluntarily or those WHO are economically secure in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) may experience beneficial effects on health and well-being but there is some conflicting evidence.
On page 27


(Frese & Mohr 1987; Gallo et al. 2000; Pattani et al. 2004) The studies in Table 2 provide strong evidence that re-employment leads to improved health in all age groups.
On page 30


years) continued (Gallo et al. 2000) 3,119 older workers Baseline & 2 years Physical functioning Involuntary job loss had a significant negative (Gallo et al. 2001) aged 51-61 years (activities of effect on physical functioning and mental US -
On page 140
Gallo WT, Bradley EH, Siegel M, Kasl SV. 2000. Health effects of involuntary job loss among older workers: findings from the health and retirement survey. Journal of Gerontology 55B: S131-S140.
On page 60
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences (Oxford University Press (OUP))
W. T. Gallo et al. 2001


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Gallo et al. 2000; Gallo et al. 2001; Gallo et al. 2004;Tsai et al. 2005) A13 * Workers in higher socio-economic groups, those WHO retire voluntarily or those WHO are economically secure in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) may experience beneficial effects on health and well-being but there is some conflicting evidence.
On page 27


years) continued (Gallo et al. 2000) 3,119 older workers Baseline & 2 years Physical functioning Involuntary job loss had a significant negative (Gallo et al. 2001) aged 51-61 years (activities of effect on physical functioning and mental US - 209 had involuntary daily living), health, even after allowing for baseline health job loss CES-Depression sta
On page 140
Gallo WT, Bradley EH, Siegel M, Kasl SV. 2001. The impact of involuntary job loss on subsequent alcohol consumption by older workers: findings from the health and retirement survey. Journal of Gerontology 56B: S3-S9.
On page 60
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Wiley)
Peter G Gibson et al. 2002
Gibson PG, Powell H, Coughlan J, Wilson AJ, Abramson M, Haywood P, Bauman A, Hensley MJ, Walters EH. 2003. Self-management education and regular practitioner review for adults with asthma (Cochrane Review). In The Cochrane Library, Issue 1 Update Software, Oxford.
On page 60
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
N. Glozier 2002


M4 *** Emotional symptoms and minor psychological morbidity are very common in the working age population: most people cope with these most of the time without health care or sickness absence from work (Ursin 1997; Glozier 2002) M5 *** People with mental health problems are more likely to be or to become workless (sickness, disability, unemployment), with a risk of a downward spiral of worklessness, deterioration in mental health and consequent reduced chances of gaining employment.
On page 33


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4b: Minor/moderate mental health problems continued (Glozier 2002) Mental ill health and fitness for work Narrative review The term ‘common mental disorders’ includes those WHO are considered as ‘cases’ by such measures as the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the most commonly used measure of ‘stress’ or ‘mental ill health’ in occupational studies, and those with the minor, and usually mixed, anxiety and depression often seen in primary care.
On page 169
Glozier N. 2002. Mental ill health and fitness for work. Occup Environ Med 59: 714-720.
On page 60
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Brian Graetz 1993


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
On page 30


years) continued (Graetz 1993) 2 samples: 9,000 1, 2 & 3 years GHQ, Psychiatric Students WHO entered the workforce had (Morrell et al. & 2,403 16-25 year case rate significant improvement in GHQ scores.
On page 124
Graetz B. 1993. Health consequences of employment and unemployment: longitudinal evidence for young men and women. Soc Sci Med 36: 715-724.
On page 60
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
Joke Haafkens et al. 2006


Conditionspecific keywords were added when seeking papers on mental health, musculoskeletal disorders and cardio-respiratory conditions (using MESH terms where appropriate), together with the search terms recommended for retrieving literature on chronic disease and work participation - work capacity, work disability, vocational rehabilitation, occupational health, sick leave, absenteeism, return to work, retirement, employment status, and work status (Haafkens et al. 2006).
On page 254
Haafkens J, Moerman C, Schuring M, van Dijk F. 2006. Searching bibliographic databases for literature on chronic disease and work participation. Occup Med 56: 39-45.
On page 60


Work should be comfortable when we are well and accommodating when we are ill’ (Hadler 1997).
On page 45
Hadler NM. 1997. Back pain in the workplace.What you lift or how matters far less than whether you lift or when. Spine 22: 935-940.
On page 60
Journal of Social Policy (Cambridge University Press (CUP))
Catherine Hakim 1982


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


All of the health effects of work and of unemployment are generally most marked in middle working-aged men, especially those with dependent families. (Hakim 1982; Warr 1987).
On page 25


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Hakim 1982) The social consequences of high unemployment Narrative review (Societal perspective with particular emphasis on UK studies.
On page 97
Hakim C. 1982. The social consequences of high unemployment. Journal of Social Policy 11: 433-467.
On page 60
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology (Informa UK Limited)
E.M. Haland Haldorsen et al. 1996


Doctors and the general PUBLIC have conceptual difficulties about disease/illness/sick certification for SHC, and are reluctant in principle to accept psychological and social problems as the basis for sick certification (Haldorsen et al. 1996).
On page 173
Haldorsen EMH, Brages S, Johannessen TS. 1996. Musculoskeletal pain: concepts of disease, illness and sick certification in health professionals in Norway. Scand J Rheumatol 25: 224-232.
On page 61
Acta Sociologica (Informa UK Limited)
Knut Halvorsen 1998


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


HEALTH IMPACTS OF EMPLOYMENT, RE-EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT Study Population/setting Follow-up Health measures Key findings on re-employment (Additional reviewers' comments in italics) Table 2b: Adults (Age ~25 to ~ 50 years) continued (Halvorsen 1998) 1,000 sample of 2 & 18 months Various measures (Unusual measures of psychological distress + Norway 20-59 year old of psychological complex regression analyses).
On page 134
Halvorsen K. 1998. Impact of re-employment on psychological distress among long-term unemployed. Acta Sociologica 41: 227-242.
On page 61
Health Economics (Wiley)
Vivian H. Hamilton et al. 1997
Hamilton VH, Merrigan P, Dufresne É. 1997. Down and out: estimating the relationship between mental health and unemployment. Health Economics 6: 397-406.
On page 61
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
V. Lee Hamilton et al. 1993


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


Three studies suggest that it is at least partly due to health selection (Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Mean Patterson 1997).
On page 30
Hamilton VL, Hoffman WS, Broman CL, Rauma D. 1993. Unemployment, distress, and coping: a panel study of autoworkers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 65: 234-247.
On page 61


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29


(Patton & Noller 1984; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Patton & Noller 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Dooley & Prause 1995; Schaufeli 1997) R4 ** After re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 29
Hammarström A. 1994a. Health consequences of youth unemployment. Public Health 108: 403-412.
On page 61
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
A Hammarstrom 2002
Hammarström A, Janlert U. 2002. Early unemployment can contribute to adult health problems: results from a longitudinal study of school leavers. J Epidemiol Community Health 56: 624-630.
On page 61
Journal of Vocational Behavior (Elsevier BV)
Robert O. Hansson et al. 1997


(Hansson et al. 1997;Wegman 1999; Shephard 1999; Kilbom 1999; Ilmarinen 2001) 16 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 26


years) continued (Hansson et al. 1997) Successful ageing at work: annual review, 1992-1996: the older worker and transitions to retirement Narrative review Defines the older worker as >40 because it presents a physiological milestone (though no evidence presented for this statement).
On page 116
Hansson RO, DeKoekkoek PD, Neece WM, Patterson DW. 1997. Successful aging at work: annual review, 1992-1996: the older worker and transitions to retirement. Journal of Vocational Behavior 51: 202-233.
On page 61


Working outside normal hours either (Harrington 1994b) by extended days or shift work can have detrimental health effects in the form of circadian rhythm disturbance, Editorial poorer quality and quantity of sleep and increased fatigue.
On page 81
Harrington JM. 1994b. Working long hours and health. BMJ 308: 1581-1582.
On page 61
Journal of Gerontology (Oxford University Press (OUP))
S. G. Haynes et al. 1978
Haynes SG, McMichael AJ, Tyroler HA. 1978. Survival after early and normal retirement. Journal of Gerontology 33: 269-278.
On page 61
Helliwell PS, Taylor WJ. 2004. Repetitive strain injury. Postgrad Med Journal 80: 438-443.
On page 61
BMJ (BMJ)
H. Hemingway et al. 1999
Hemingway H, Marmot M. 1999. Psychosocial factors in the aetiology and prognosis of coronary heart disease: systematic review of prospective cohort studies. BMJ 318: 1460-1467.
On page 62
Disability and Rehabilitation (Informa UK Limited)
CM Henriksson et al. 2005


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


(Burton 1997; Ferguson & Marras 1997; Davis & Heaney 2000;Abenhaim et al. 2000; National Research Council 2001;Waddell & Burton 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004;Woods 2005; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005) MS4 *** Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work (or remaining at work) are therapeutic and beneficial for health and well-being for most workers with musculoskeletal conditions.
On page 36


(ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; Staal et al. 2003; Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Henriksson et al. 2005; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) Four main themes emerged from the evidence: (a) the high background prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the general population; (b) work can be a risk factor for musculoskeletal conditions; (c) the important modifying influence of psychosocial factors; and (d) the need to combine clinical and occupational strategies in the secondary prevention of chronic disability.
On page 37
Henriksson CM, Liedberg GM, Gerdle B. 2005. Women with fibromyalgia: work and rehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation 27: 685-695.
On page 62
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health (Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)
Wilhelmina E Hoogendoorn et al. 1999


(NIOSH 1997; National Research Council 1999; Buckle & Devereux 1999; Hoogendoorn et al. 1999; National Research Council 2001; Punnett & Wegman 2004; IIAC 2006) MS3 *** Psychosocial factors (personal and occupational) exert a powerful effect on musculoskeletal symptoms and their consequences.
On page 36
Hoogendoorn WE, van Poppel MNM, Bongors PM, Koes BW, Bouter LM. 1999. Physical load during work and leisure time as risk factors for back pain. Scand J Work Environ Health 25: 387-403.
On page 62


(Horgan et al. 1992) Working party report on cardiac rehabilitation in UK Report Cardiac rehabilitation should restore patients to their optimal physiological, vocational, and social status.
On page 220
Horgan J, Bethell H, Carson P, Davidson C, Julian D, Mayou RA, Nagle R. 1992. Working party report on cardiac rehabilitation. British Heart Journal 67: 412-418.
On page 62
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
C. Ihlebaek 2003
Ihlebæk C, Eriksen HR. 2003. Occupational and social variation in subjective health complaints. Occupational Medicine 53: 270-278.
On page 63


(Tuomi et al. 1997; Shephard 1999; Ilmarinen 2001; Benjamin & Wilson 2005) A8 * There is mixed evidence that older workers have any decline in perceived/reported health (despite increasing disease prevalence).
On page 26


(Tuomi et al. 1997;Wegman 1999; Shephard 1999; Scales & Scase 2000; Ilmarinen 2001) A9 ** Older workers do not necessarily have substantially more sickness absence (despite more severe illnesses and injuries).
On page 26


(Hansson et al. 1997;Wegman 1999; Shephard 1999; Kilbom 1999; Ilmarinen 2001) 16 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 26


years) continued (Ilmarinen 2001) Ageing workers Narrative review The definition of an ageing worker is generally based on the period when major changes occur in relevant work related functions during the course of work life.
On page 119
Ilmarinen JE. 2001. Aging workers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 58: 546-552 doi:10.1136/oem.58.8.546.
On page 63
Journal of Social Issues (Wiley)
Lars Iversen et al. 1988
Iversen L, Sabroe S. 1988. Psychological well-being among unemployed and employed people after a company closedown: a longitudinal study. Journal of Social Issues 44: 141-152.
On page 63
Journal of Applied Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Paul R. Jackson et al. 1983
Jackson PR, Stafford EM, Banks MH, Warr PB. 1983. Unemployment and psychological distress in young people: the moderating role of employment commitment. Journal of Applied Psychology 68: 525-535.
On page 63
Human Resource Management Journal (Wiley)
Philip James et al. 2002


Table 3: Work for sick and disabled people 139 TABLE 3: WORK FOR SICK AND DISABLED PEOPLE Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 3b: Sickness absence and return to work continued (James et al. 2002), Job retention and vocational rehabilitation: development and evaluation of a conceptual framework (James et al. 2003) In the UK, the Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive have been paying increasing HSE Research Report attention to the question of what can be done to increase the likelihood that employees WHO are sick or injured are able to be retained in employment and returned to their jobs, or, failing this, are able to obtain alternative employment with the same or another emplo
On page 150
James P, Cunningham I, Dibben P. 2002. Absence management and the issues of job retention and return to work. Human Resource Management Journal 12: 82-94.
On page 63
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
PIRJO JUVONEN-POSTI et al. 2002


(Daniel 1983;Ashworth et al. 2001; Hedges & Sykes 2001; Juvonen-Posti et al. 2002; Bacon 2002; Bowling et al. 2004) SS5 *** Claimants whose benefit claims are disallowed often do not return to work but cycle between different benefits and often report a deterioration in mental health, quality of life and well-being.
On page 40
Juvonen-Posti P, Kallanranta T, Eksymä S-L, Piirainen K, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S. 2002. Into work, through tailored paths: a two-year follow-up of the return-to-work rehabilitation and re-employment project. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research 25: 313-330.
On page 64
Circulation (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
G A Kaplan et al. 1993


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35


(Kaplan & Keil 1993) Socioeconomic factors and cardiovascular disease Narrative review (General social background) Socioeconomic status, sometimes referred to as ‘social class’, covers a wide range of measures including education, income, occupation, living conditions, income inequality, and many other socio-economic aspects of life.
On page 217
Kaplan GA, Keil JE. 1993. Socioeconomic factors and cardiovascular disease: a review of the literature. Circulation 88: 1973-1998.
On page 64
American Sociological Review (SAGE Publications)
Ronald C. Kessler et al. 1989


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
On page 30
Kessler RC, Blake Turner J, House JS. 1989. Unemployment, reemployment, and emotional functioning in a community sample. American Sociological Review 54: 648-657.
On page 64
Experimental Aging Research (Informa UK Limited)
Asa Kilbom 1999


(Hansson et al. 1997;Wegman 1999; Shephard 1999; Kilbom 1999; Ilmarinen 2001) 16 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 26


(Kilbom 1999) Evidence-based programs for the prevention of early exit from work Narrative review Ageing of the population and lowered average age of retirement imply greatly increased PUBLIC costs for pensions and health care in western societies.
On page 117
Kilbom Å. 1999. Evidence-based programs for the prevention of early exit from work. Experimental Aging Research 25: 291-299.
On page 64
The Political Quarterly (Wiley)
Desmond King et al. 1999
King D, Wickam-Jones M. 1999. From Clinton to Blair: the Democratic (Party) origins of welfare to work. Political Quarterly 70: 62-74.
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Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Petra L Klumb et al. 2004


(Klumb & Lampert 2004) Unemployment This section lays out in logical order the evidence on the association between unemployment and health, on the causal relationship, on possible mechanisms and on modifying influences.
On page 21
Klumb PL, Lampert T. 2004. Women, work, and well-being 1950-2000: a review and methodological critique. Social Science & Medicine 58: 1007-1024.
On page 64
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Bart W. Koes et al. 2001


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


Table 5: the impact of work on the health of people with musculoskeletal conditions 191 TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions continued (Koes et al. 2001) International comparison of clinical guidelines for management of low back pain Systematic review There is considerable agreement across LBP guidelines from 11 countries.
On page 202


The range of acceptable material was broadly similar to that used previously for this kind of review (Waddell & Burton 2001; Waddell & Burton 2004; Burton et al. 2004).
On page 255
Koes BW, van Tulder MW, Ostelo R, Burton AK, Waddell G. 2001. Clinical guidelines for the management of low back pain in primary care: an international comparison. Spine 26: 2504-2513.
On page 64
The American Journal of Cardiology (Elsevier BV)
Pramesh Kovoor et al. 2006


There is some indication that early return to work is safe for myocardial infarction patients stratified as low risk (Kovoor et al. 2006), and that patients with cardiopulmonary disease are rarely harmed by return to work recommendations (Hyman 2005).
On page 39
Kovoor P, Lee AKY, Carrozzi F,Wiseman V, Byth K, Zechin R, Dickson C, King M, Hall J, Ross DL, Uther JB, Dennis AR. 2006. Return to full normal activities including work at two weeks after acute myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol 97: 952-958.
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Physiotherapy (Elsevier BV)
Y Lacasse et al. 2002
Lacasse Y, Brosseau L, Milne S, Martin S, Wong E, Guyatt GH, Goldstein RS, White J. 2003. Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Cochrane Review). In The Cochrane Library, Issue 4 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester.
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International Journal of Health Services (SAGE Publications)
Eero Lahelma 1992


(Lahelma 1992) 703 previously Baseline , 3 months GHQ Unemployment had an adverse impact on Finland employed & 15 months mental well-being; re-employment improved registered job the mental well being of t
On page 130
Lahelma E. 1992. Unemployment and mental well-being: elaboration of the relationship. International Journal of Health Services 22: 261-274.
On page 65
Psychological Reports (SAGE Publications)
Clive Layton 1986


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
On page 30


(Layton 1986b) 101 men facing Baseline & 6 months GHQ Baseline GHQ did not predict re-employment UK compulsory (i.e. no selection effect).
On page 127
Layton C. 1986b. Employment, unemployment, and response to the general health questionnaire. Psychological Reports 58: 807-810.
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Journal of Applied Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Raymond T. Lee et al. 1996
Lee RT,Ashforth BE. 1996.A meta-analytic examination of the correlates of the three dimensions of job burnout. J Appl Psychol 81: 123-133.
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Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health (Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)
J Liira et al. 1999


Table 1b: (Saunders 2002b),Table 2b: (Liira & Leino-Arjas 1999) Older workers (References in this sub-section are to Table 2c.
On page 30
Liira J, Leino-Arjas P. 1999. Predictors and consequences of unemployment in construction and forest work during a 5-year follow-up. Scand J Work Environ Health 25: 42-49.
On page 65
Organizational Behavior and Human Performance (Elsevier BV)
Edwin A. Locke 1969


It involves a specific set of technical and social tasks located within a certain physical and social context (Locke 1969; Warr 1987; Dodu 2005).
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Locke EA. 1969. What is job satisfaction? Organizational Behaviour and Human Performance 4: 309-336.
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Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Springer Nature)
Patrick Loisel et al. 2005


(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 36


(ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; Staal et al. 2003; Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Henriksson et al. 2005; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) Four main themes emerged from the evidence: (a) the high background prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the general population; (b) work can be a risk factor for musculoskeletal conditions; (c) the important modifying influence of psychosocial factors; and (d) the need to combine clinical and occupational strategies in the secondary prevention of chronic disability.
On page 37


(Loisel et al. 2005) Prevention of work disability due to musculoskeletal disorders Narrative review The evidence shows that some clinical interventions (advice to return to modified work and graded activity and expert opinion programmes) and some non-clinical interventions (at a service and policy/community level but not at practice level) are effective in reducing work absenteeism.
On page 212
Loisel P, Buchbinder R, Hazard R, Keller R, Scheel I, van Tulder M, Webster B. 2005. Prevention of work disability due to musculoskeletal disorders: the challenge of implementing evidence. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 15: 507-521.
On page 65
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Freek Lötters et al. 2005


People with musculoskeletal conditions WHO are helped to return to work can enjoy better health (level of pain, function, quality of life) than those WHO remain off work (Westman et al. 2006; Lötters et al. 2005).
On page 38
Lötters F, Hogg-Johnson S, Burdorf A. 2005. Health status, its perceptions, and effect on return to work and recurrent sick leave. Spine 30: 1086-1092.
On page 65
Work & Stress (Informa UK Limited)
Colin J. MacKay * et al. 2004


These conceptual and methodological problems create considerable uncertainty about psychosocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 20
On page 34


These conceptual and methodological problems create considerable uncertainty about psychosocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 2005).
On page 34


(Mackay et al. 2004) Management Standards and work-related stress in the UK: policy background and science Scientific and Review of the development of UK policy since the late 1990s, to support HSE 2004 below.
On page 187


Table 4: The impact of work on the health of people with mental health conditions 177 TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-ii: Stress: Management continued (Mackay et al. 2004) Management Standards and work-related stress in the UK: policy background and science (continued) Scientific and • Support – which includes the encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, conceptual review line management and colleagues • Relationships at work – which includes promoting positive working practices to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
On page 188


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-ii: Stress: Management continued (Mackay et al. 2004) Management Standards and work-related stress in the UK: policy background and science (continued) Scientific and 2) Epidemiological and psychosocial evidence: conceptual review This was essentially a brief review of the evidence on the Demand-Control model, social support and various additional psychosocial aspects of work.
On page 189
Mackay CJ, Cousins R, Kelly PJ, Lee S, McCaig RH. 2004.‘Management Standards’ and workrelated stress in the UK: policy background and science. Work & Stress 18: 91-112.
On page 65
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
Jean-Luc Malo 2005


Table 6a: (Shanfield 1990;Thompson et al. 1996; Dafoe & Cupper 1995; NHS CRD1998; de Gaudemaris 2000;Wozniak & Kittner 2002; Perk & Alexanderson 2004) Table 6b: (Malo 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005;Asthma UK 2004) CR3 0 The return to work process for workers with cardio-respiratory conditions is generally considered to require a combination of both clinical management and occupational risk control.
On page 39


Table 6b: (Asthma UK 2004;Tarlo & Liss 2005; Malo 2005; IIAC 2006; HSE 2006) There is an extensive literature on the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular conditions, though there is less on respiratory conditions.
On page 39


TABLE 6: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH CARDIO-RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 6b: Respiratory conditions continued (Malo 2005) Work-related asthma and the impact on occupational health Narrative review Whilst occupational asthma is ‘caused’ by the workplace (an allergic process or a non-allergic irritant-induced mechanism), personal asthma also can ‘worsen’ at work (work-aggravated or exacerbated): the reasons, mechanisms, extent and consequences of this are unknown.
On page 231
Malo J-L. 2005. Future advances in work-related asthma and the impact on occupational health. Occupational Medicine 55: 606-611.
On page 65
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology (Springer Nature)
Steven Marwaha et al. 2004


(Schneider et al. 2002; Marwaha & Johnson 2004) Many people with severe mental illness want to work and 30-50% are capable of work, though only 10-20% are working (Schneider 1998; Schneider et al. 2002; Marwaha & Johnson 2004).
On page 32
Marwaha S, Johnson S. 2004. Schizophrenia and employment. A review. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 39: 337-349.
On page 66
Medical Journal of Australia (AMPCo)
Colin D Mathers et al. 1998


(Brenner & Mooney 1983; Platt 1984; Jin et al. 1995; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002) U2 ** Poorer physical health (Mathers & Schofield 1998): e.g. cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and serum cholesterol (Jin et al. 1995), and susceptibility to respiratory infections (Cohen 1999).
On page 22


(Jin et al. 1995; Shortt 1996; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Lakey 2001) U4 *** Poorer mental health and psychological well-being, more psychological distress, minor psychological/psychiatric morbidity, increased rates of parasuicide.
On page 22


Furthermore: (Hammarström 1994b; Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Lakey 2001) U6 *** There is strong evidence that unemployment can cause, contribute to or aggravate most of these adverse health outcomes.
On page 22


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35
Mathers CD, Schofield DJ. 1998. The health consequences of unemployment: the evidence. Med J Aust 168: 178-182.
On page 66
Emergency Medicine Journal (BMJ)
T McClune 2002
McClune T, Burton AK,Waddell G. 2002.Whiplash associated disorders: a review of the literature to guide patient information and advice. Emergency Medicine Journal 19: 499-506.
On page 66
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
Serena McCluskey et al. 2006


(Burton 1997; De Beek & Hermans 2000;Waddell & Burton 2001; de Buck et al. 2002; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005; Burton et al. 2006) MS2 *** Certain physical aspects of work are risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and specific diseases.
On page 36


Importantly, physical activity and early return to work interventions do not seem to be associated with any increased risk of recurrences or further sickness absence (Staal et al. 2005; McCluskey et al. 2006).
On page 38


(Burton et al. 2006) Employment and rheumatoid arthritis Systematic review The 38 studies included in the review concerned subjects ?
On page 215
McCluskey S, Burton AK, Main CJ. 2006. The implementation of occupational health guidelines principles for reducing sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders. Occup Med. 56: 237-242
On page 66
Journal of Adolescence (Elsevier BV)
L.J. Meân Patterson 1997


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29


Three studies suggest that it is at least partly due to health selection (Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Mean Patterson 1997).
On page 30
Mean Patterson LJ. 1997. Long-term unemployment amongst adolescents: a longitudinal study. Journal of Adolescence 20: 261-280.
On page 66
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
G Mein 2003


Table 1a: (Acheson et al. 1998),Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000) Table 2c: (Ekerdt et al. 1983; Crowley 1986; Mein et al. 2003) A12 ** Workers in lower and middle socioeconomic groups, those WHO are compulsorily retired or those WHO face economic insecurity in retirement (characteristics which cluster together) can experience detrimental effects on health and well-being and survival rates.
On page 27


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Mein et al. 2003) (Morris et al. 1992).
On page 27


years) continued (Mein et al. 2003) 392 retired and Average 36 months SF-36 health Mental health functioning deteriorated over UK 618 working civil functioning; time among those WHO continued to work, and servants aged employment
On page 141
Mein G, Martikainen P, Hemingway H, Stansfeld S, Marmot M. 2003. Is retirement good or bad for mental and physical health functioning? Whitehall II longitudinal study of civil servants. J Epidemiol Community Health 57: 46-49.
On page 66
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
S Michie 2003
Michie S, Williams S. 2003. Reducing work related psychological ill health and sickness absence: a systematic literature review. Occup Environ Med 60: 3-9.
On page 66
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd)
EM Monninkhof et al. 2002
Monninkhof EM, van der Valk PDLPM, van der Palen J, van Herwaarden CLA, Partridge MR, Walters EH, Zielhuis GA. 2003. Self-management education for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Cochrane Review). In The Cochrane Library, Issue 4 John WIley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester.
On page 67
Archives of Internal Medicine (American Medical Association (AMA))
Farouk Mookadam et al. 2004
Mookadam F, Arthur HM. 2004. Social support and its relationship to morbidity and mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Arch Intern Med 164: 1514-1518.
On page 67
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
S. Morrell et al. 1994
Morrell S, Taylor R, Quine S, Kerr C, Western J. 1994. A cohort study of unemployment as a cause of psychological disturbance in Australian youth. Soc Sci Med 38: 1553-1564.
On page 67
Medical Journal of Australia (AMPCo)
Stephen L Morrell et al. 1998


(Hammarström 1994b; Morrell et al. 1998; Lakey 2001) A2 * There is mixed evidence that unemployment is harmful to the physical health of young people though any effect appears to be less than in middle working age or older workers.
On page 24


(Hammarström 1994b; Morrell et al. 1998; Lakey 2001) A3 *** Unemployment has adverse effects on the mental health of young people (poor mental health and psychological well-being, more psychological distress, minor psychological/psychiatric morbidity) but these effects are generally less severe than in middle working age adults.
On page 24


(Warr 1987; Hammarström 1994b; Morrell et al. 1998; Lakey 2001) 14 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 24


(Hammarström 1994b; Morrell et al. 1998; Lakey 2001) A5 * There is mixed evidence that young unemployed people suffer adverse social consequences including social exclusion and alienation, financial deprivation, criminality and longer-lasting effects on employment patterns (including higher risk of further spells of unemployment) and health into adult life.
On page 25


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Morrell et al. 1998) Unemployment and young people’s health Brief narrative review There is strong evidence of an association between unemployment and ill-health in young people aged 15-24 years.
On page 107
Morrell SL, Taylor RJ, Kerr CB. 1998. Unemployment and young people’s health. MJA 168: 236-240.
On page 67
BMJ (BMJ)
J. K. Morris et al. 1992


Table 1b: (Scales & Scase 2000),Table 2c: (Crowley 1986; Mein et al. 2003) (Morris et al. 1992).
On page 27
Morris JK, Cook DG, Shaper AG. 1992. Non-employment and changes in smoking, drinking, and body weight. BMJ 304: 536-541.
On page 67
Morris JK, Cook DG, Shaper AG. 1994. Loss of employment and mortality. BMJ 308: 1135-1139.
On page 67
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (Wiley)
Gregory C. Murphy et al. 1999


(Platt 1984; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Fryers et al. 2003) U5 ** Higher medical consultation, medication consumption and hospital admission rates.
On page 22


(Bartley 1994; Janlert 1997; Shortt 1996; Murphy & Athanasou 1999) There are a number of possible mechanisms by which unemployment might have adverse effects on health (Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996): U7 *** The health effects of unemployment are at least partly mediated through socioeconomic status, (probably relative rather than absolute) poverty and financial anxiety.
On page 22


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35
Murphy GC, Athanasou JA. 1999. The effect of unemployment on mental health. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psycholoy 72: 83-99.
On page 67
Handbook of occupational health psychology. (American Psychological Association)
Debra L. Nelson et al. 2003


osocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 2005).
On page 34


Stress’ is both part of and reflects a wider process of interaction between the person (worker) and their (work) environment (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Payne 1999; Cox et al. 2000b) • Work can have both positive and negative effects on mental health and well-being (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; HSE/HSL 2005) This review did not retrieve any direct evidence on the relative balance of beneficial vs.
On page 35
Nelson DL, Simmons BL. 2003. Health psychology and work stress: a more positive approach. In Handbook of occupational health psychology (Ed. Quick JC, Tetrick LE) : 97-119, American Psychological Association, Washington DC.
On page 67
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
P J Nicholson 2005


Table 6a: (Wenger et al. 1995;Thompson et al. 1996; van der Doef & Maes 1998; Thompson & Lewin 2000;Wozniak & Kittner 2002; Reynolds et al. 2004) Table 6b: (Hyman 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005; HSE 2006) 28 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 38


Table 6a: (Shanfield 1990;Thompson et al. 1996; Dafoe & Cupper 1995; NHS CRD1998; de Gaudemaris 2000;Wozniak & Kittner 2002; Perk & Alexanderson 2004) Table 6b: (Malo 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005;Asthma UK 2004) CR3 0 The return to work process for workers with cardio-respiratory conditions is generally considered to require a combination of both clinical management and occupational risk control.
On page 39


Table 6a: (Wenger et al. 1995; Dafoe & Cupper 1995) Table 6b: (Hyman 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005) CR4 * There is limited evidence that rehabilitation and return to work for workers with cardio-respiratory conditions can be beneficial for general health and well-being and quality of life.
On page 39
Nicholson PJ, Cullinan P, Newman Taylor AJ, Burge PS, Boyle C. 2005. Evidence based guidelines for the prevention, identification, and management of occupational asthma. Occup Environ Med 62: 290-299.
On page 68
Work, Employment and Society (SAGE Publications)
Mikael Nordenmark 1999
Nordenmark M. 1999. Non-financial employment motivation and well-being in different labour market situations: a longitudinal study. Work, Employment and Society 13: 601-620.
On page 68
Sociology (SAGE Publications)
Mikael Nordenmark et al. 1999


asic concept that work is beneficial for health and well-being: W1 *** Employment is generally the most important means of obtaining adequate economic resources, which are essential for material well-being and full participation in today’s society Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004; Layard 2004; Coats & Max 2005) Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) W2 *** Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm Table 1a: (Dodu 2005),Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987) W3 *** Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004) Table 1b: (Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) W4 *** At the same tim
On page 20


er & Mooney 1983; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) W2 *** Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm Table 1a: (Dodu 2005),Table 1b: (Jahoda 1982;Warr 1987) W3 *** Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status Table 1a: (Shah & Marks 2004) Table 1b: (Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) W4 *** At the same time, various aspects of work can be a hazard and pose a risk to health Table 1a: (Coggon 1994; Snashall 2003; HSC 2002; HSC 2004) Logically, then, the nature and quality of work is important for health (WHO 1995; HDA 2004; Cox et al. 2004; Shah & Marks 2004; Layard 2004; Dodu 2005; Coats & Max 2005)).
On page 20


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Hammarström 1994b; Banks 1995; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Lakey 2001; McLean et al. 2005) U14 *** regional deprivation and local unemployment rates.
On page 23


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) Review findings 13 Overall, there is extensive evidence that there are strong links between unemployment and poorer physical and mental health and mortality.
On page 23
Nordenmark M, Strandh M. 1999. Towards a sociological understanding of mental well-being among the unemployed: the role of economic and psychosocial factors. Sociology 33: 577-597.
On page 68
Journal of Occupational Psychology (Wiley)
Gordon E. O'Brien et al. 1990


(Banks & Jackson 1982; Donovan et al. 1986; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Mean Patterson 1997; Bjarnason & Sigurdardottir 2003) R3 *** School leavers WHO move into ‘unsatisfactory’ employment can experience a decline in their health and well-being.
On page 29


(Patton & Noller 1984; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Patton & Noller 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Dooley & Prause 1995; Schaufeli 1997) R4 ** After re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 29


Sub-group analysis (O’Brien & Feather 1990) showed that those in good employment that let them utilize their skills and education had significantly higher personal competence, higher internal control, lower depressive affect and higher life satisfaction.
On page 121
O’Brien GE, Feather NT. 1990. The relative effects of unemployment and quality of employment on the affect, work values and personal control of adolescents. J Occup Psychol 63: 151-165.
On page 68
OECD. 2003. Transforming disability into ability. Policies to promote work and income security for disabled people. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris.
On page 68
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ)
A S Ostry 2002


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


(Ostry et al. 2002) 3000 sawmill 1 year before Self-reported Long-term working conditions and health Canada workers de-industrialisation health status status were generally better for workers WHO, & 20 years
On page 136
Ostry AS, Barroetavena M, Hershler R, Kelly S, Demers PA, Teschke K, Hertzman D. 2002. Effect of de-industrialisation on working conditions and self reported health in a sample of manufacturing workers. J Epidemiol Community Health 56: 506-509.
On page 68
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
S Pattani 2004


The available evidence suggests that continuing to work, at least up to state retirement age, is not harmful to health or mortality in older workers (Gallo et al. 2004; Tsai et al. 2005; Pattani et al. 2004).
On page 27


(Frese & Mohr 1987; Gallo et al. 2000; Pattani et al. 2004) The studies in Table 2 provide strong evidence that re-employment leads to improved health in all age groups.
On page 30
Pattani S, Constantinovici N, Williams S. 2004. Predictors of re-employment and quality of life in NHS staff one year after early retirement because of ill health; a national prospective study. Occup Environ Med 61: 572-576.
On page 68
Australian Journal of Psychology (Wiley)
Wendy Patton et al. 1984


(Patton & Noller 1984; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Patton & Noller 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Dooley & Prause 1995; Schaufeli 1997) R4 ** After re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 29
Patton W, Noller P. 1984. Unemployment and youth: a longitudinal study. Australian J Psychology 36: 399-413.
On page 68
Australian Journal of Psychology (Wiley)
Wendy Patton et al. 1990
Patton W, Noller P. 1990. Adolescent self-concept: effects of being employed, unemployed or returning to school. Australian J Psychology 42: 247-259.
On page 69
Journal of Organizational Behavior (Wiley)
Roy Payne et al. 1987


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29
Payne R, Jones JG. 1987. Social class and re-employment: changes in health and perceived financial circumstances. Journal of Occupational Behaviour 8: 175-184.
On page 69
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health (SAGE Publications)
Joep Perk et al. 2004


Cardiorespiratory conditions have a high prevalence in the general population (Perk & Alexanderson 2004; Tarlo & Liss 2005); whilst certain characteristics of work can be risk factors, cardiorespiratory conditions are often multifactorial in nature.
On page 38
Perk J, Alexanderson K. 2004. Sick leave due to coronary artery disease or stroke. Scand J Public Health 32 (Suppl 63): 181-206.
On page 69
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Stephen Platt 1984


(Brenner & Mooney 1983; Platt 1984; Jin et al. 1995; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002) U2 ** Poorer physical health (Mathers & Schofield 1998): e.g. cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and serum cholesterol (Jin et al. 1995), and susceptibility to respiratory infections (Cohen 1999).
On page 22


(Platt 1984; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Fryers et al. 2003) U5 ** Higher medical consultation, medication consumption and hospital admission rates.
On page 22


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Platt 1984) Unemployment and suicidal behaviour: a review of the literature Narrative review Comprehensive review of early literature on suicidal behaviour (deliberate self-harm acts): both suicide (fatal outcome) and parasuicide (non-fatal outcome).
On page 99


(Highly technical economic modelling, with extensive debate about the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology (e.g. see (Platt 1984; Wagstaff 1985; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996)).
On page 111
Platt S. 1984. Unemployment and suicidal behaviour: a review of the literature. Soc Sci Med 19: 93-115.
On page 69
Journal of Clinical Nursing (Wiley)
Claude Michele Poissonnet et al. 2000


Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999; Poissonnet & Véron 2000) on physical and mental health.
On page 21
Poissonnet CM, Véron M. 2000. Health effects of work schedules in healthcare professions. Journal of Clinical Nursing 9: 13-23.
On page 69
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Karin I. Proper et al. 2003


(Proper et al. 2003) Worksite physical activity programs and physical activity, fitness and health Systematic review Fifteen randomised trials and 11 non-randomised trials of high quality.
On page 205
Proper KI, Koning M, van der Beek AJ, Hildebrandt VH, Bosscher RJ, van Mechelen W. 2003. The effectiveness of worksite physical activity programs on physical activity, physical fitness, and health. Clin J Sport Med 13: 106-117.
On page 69
The Lancet (Elsevier BV)
Judith Proudfoot et al. 1997


(Bound 1989;Caplan et al. 1989;Proudfoot et al. 1997;Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) SS2 ** Claimants WHO move off benefits and (re-)enter work generally have increased income.
On page 40


(Caplan et al. 1989; Erens & Ghate 1993;Vinokur et al. 1995; Rowlingson & Berthoud 1996; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) There is conflicting evidence on the extent to which this is a health selection effect or cause and effect: probably both occur.
On page 40


(Vinokur et al. 1995; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Bloch & Prins 2001;Watson et al. 2004) SS4 *** After leaving benefits, many claimants go into poorly paid or low quality jobs, and insecure, unstable or unsustained employment.
On page 40
Proudfoot J, Guest D, Carson J, Dunn G, Gray J. 1997. Effect of cognitive-behavioural training on job-finding among long-term unemployed people. The Lancet 350: 96-100.
On page 69
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology (Elsevier BV)
Laura Punnett et al. 2004


However, many of the issues raised about back pain are common to other musculoskeletal conditions, particularly neck pain and arm pain (NIOSH 1997; Buckle & Devereux 1999; National Research Council 2001; Schonstein et al. 2003; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; Waddell & Burton 2004; Punnett & Wegman 2004; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005).
On page 35


(NIOSH 1997; National Research Council 1999; Buckle & Devereux 1999; Hoogendoorn et al. 1999; National Research Council 2001; Punnett & Wegman 2004; IIAC 2006) MS3 *** Psychosocial factors (personal and occupational) exert a powerful effect on musculoskeletal symptoms and their consequences.
On page 36
Punnett L, Wegman DH. 2004. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: the epidemiologic evidence and the debate. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 14: 13-23.
On page 69
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health (SAGE Publications)
Thomas Quaade et al. 2002
Quaade T, Engholm G, Johansen AMT, Møller H. 2002. Mortality in relation to early retirement in Denmark: a population-based study. Scand J Public Health 30: 216-222.
On page 69
International Journal of Health Services (SAGE Publications)
Michael Quinlan et al. 2001


(Acheson et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999;
On page 21


Any adverse effects of work stressors appear to be comparable in magnitude to those of job insecurity (Ferrie 1999; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002).
On page 35


(Quinlan et al. 2001) The consequences of precarious employment for occupational health and safety Systematic review Precarious employment includes temporary/short term contracts, job insecurity associated with organisational restructuring, outsourced/home working, part-time work, and work in small businesses.
On page 84
Quinlan M, Mayhew C, Bohle P. 2001. The global expansion of precarious employment, work disorganization, and consequences for occupational health: a review of recent research. International Journal of Health Services 31: 335-414.
On page 69
The Gerontologist (Oxford University Press (OUP))
D. C. Reitzes et al. 1996


Table 2c: (Frese 1987; Reitzes et al. 1996) Demographic trends mean that older workers form an increasing proportion of the workforce.
On page 27
Reitzes DC, Mutran EJ, Fernandez ME. 1996. Does retirement hurt well-being? Factors influencing self-esteem and depression among retirees and workers. The Gerontologist 36: 649-656.
On page 70
Journal of Applied Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Linda Rhoades et al. 2002
Rhoades L, Eisenberger R. 2002. Perceived organizational support: a review of the literature. Journal of Applied Psychology 87: 698-714.
On page 70
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
J. Rick et al. 2000


There are no objective or agreed criteria for the definition or measurement of stressors or stress responses, or for the diagnosis of any clinical syndrome of ‘stress’ (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2001; IIAC 2004; Wessely 2004).
On page 34


These conceptual and methodological problems create considerable uncertainty about psychosocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 20
On page 34


osocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 2005).
On page 34


However, there is little evidence for such a dose-response relationship or for any threshold for adverse health effects (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2001; Rick et al. 2002).
On page 34


Stress’ is both part of and reflects a wider process of interaction between the person (worker) and their (work) environment (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Payne 1999; Cox et al. 2000b) • Work can have both positive and negative effects on mental health and well-being (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; HSE/HSL 2005) This review did not retrieve any direct evidence on the relative balance of beneficial vs.
On page 35


Any such effects are smaller than the adverse effects of unemployment (Jin et al. 1995; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Murphy & Athanasou 1999; Briner 2000; Glozier 2002), social gradients in health (Kaplan & Keil 1993; Acheson et al. 1998; Saunders 2002b) and regional deprivation (Saunders 2002b; Ritchie et al. 2005) on physical and mental health and mortality (Platt 1984; Lynge 1997; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Brenner 2002).
On page 35


(Briner 2000) Relationships between work environments, psychological environments and psychological well-being.
On page 184


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-ii: Stress: Management continued (Rick & Briner 2000) Psychosocial risk assessment: problems and prospects.
On page 185


Table 4: The impact of work on the health of people with mental health conditions 175 TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-ii: Stress: Management continued (Rick & Briner 2000) Psychosocial risk assessment: problems and prospects.
On page 186
Rick J, Briner RB. 2000. Psychosocial risk assessment: problems and prospects. Occupational Medicine 50: 310-314.
On page 70
Psychiatric Services (American Psychiatric Publishing)
Robert A. Rosenheck et al. 2000


(Dorsett et al. 1998; Rosenheck et al. 2000;Ashworth et al. 2001) 30 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 40


The net result is that interventions which encourage and support claimants to come off benefits and successfully get them (back) into work are likely to improve their health and well-being; interventions which simply force claimants off benefits are more likely to harm their health and well-being (Dorsett et al. 1998; Ford et al. 2000; Rosenheck et al. 2000; Ashworth et al. 2001; Waddell 2004b; Waddell & Aylward 2005).
On page 41
Rosenheck RA, Dausey DJ, Frisman L, Kasprow W. 2000. Outcomes after initial receipt of social security benefits among homeless veterans with mental illness. Psychiatr Serv 51: 1549-1554.
On page 70
Psychological Inquiry (Informa UK Limited)
Carol D. Ryff et al. 1998


There is considerable overlap between ‘health’ and ‘well-being’, with philosophical debate about their relationship (Ryff & Singer 1998).
On page 15
Ryff CD, Singer B. 1998. The contours of positive human health. Psychological Inquiry 9: 1-28.
On page 70
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (S. Karger AG)
Raimo K.R. Salokangas et al. 1991
Salokangas RKR, Joukamaa M. 1991. Physical and mental health changes in retirement age. Psychother Psychosom 55: 100-107.
On page 70
American Psychologist (American Psychological Association (APA))
Peter Salovey et al. 2000


osocial hazards, about psychosocial harms, and about the relationship between them (Rick & Briner 2000; Rick et al. 2002; Mackay et al. 2004; IIAC 2004; HSE/HSL 2005) The underlying problem is the fundamental assumption that work demands/stressors are necessarily a hazard with potential adverse mental health consequences (Cox 1993; Cox et al. 2000a; Cox et al. 2000b; Mackay et al. 2004), ignoring or failing to take sufficient account of the possibility that work might also be good for mental health (Lazarus & Folkman 1984; Edwards & Cooper 1988; Payne 1999; Salovey et al. 2000; Briner 2000; Adisesh 2003; Nelson & Simmons 2003; Wessely 2004; HSE/HSL 2005; Dodu 2005).
On page 34


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-i: Stress: The impact of work on mental health continued (Salovey et al. 2000) Emotional states and physical health Narrative review The association between emotional states and increased reports of physical complaints is well established: physical illness and pain can cause anxiety or depressed mood; the premise that emotional arousal can cause changes in physical health is the focus of this review.
On page 175
Salovey P, Rothman AJ, Detweiler JB, Steward WT. 2000. Emotional states and physical health. American Psychologist 55: 110-121.
On page 70
Journal of Social Policy (Cambridge University Press (CUP))
PETER SAUNDERS 2002


There is strong PUBLIC support for encouraging benefit claimants back to work, when this is feasible (Williams et al. 1999; Saunders 2002a).
On page 146
Saunders P. 2002a. Mutual obligation, participation and popularity. Social security reform in Australia. Journal of Social Policy 31: 21-38.
On page 70
Journal of Adolescence (Elsevier BV)
Wilmar B. Schaufeli 1997


(Patton & Noller 1984; Feather & O'Brien 1986; O'Brien & Feather 1990; Patton & Noller 1990; Hammarström 1994a; Dooley & Prause 1995; Schaufeli 1997) R4 ** After re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 29


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
On page 30


That evidence is generally consistent but some studies show a smaller effect, perhaps reflecting different social and cultural contexts (e.g. (Patton & Noller 1990; Schaufeli 1997)).
On page 30


years) continued (Schaufeli 1997) a) 767 school leavers, Before final exam, a) GHQ School leavers WHO entered work or further Netherlands b) 635 college a) 1 year b) SCL-90 studies showed slight improvement in GHQ, graduates b) 6, 12, 18
On page 126
Schaufeli WB. 1997. Youth unemployment and mental health: some Dutch findings. Journal of Adolescence 20: 281-292.
On page 71
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Inger B. Scheel et al. 2002


(Scheel et al. 2002c), Active Sick Leave for social security claimants with back pain (Scheel et al. 2002a), Active Sick Leave (ASL) was a social security benefit scheme offered to temporarily disabled workers to promote (Scheel et al. 2002b) and support early return to modified work.
On page 244
Scheel IB, Hagen KB, Herrin J, Carling C, Oxman AD. 2002a. Blind faith? The effects of promoting active sick leave for back pain patients: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Spine 27: 2734-2740.
On page 71


(Scheel et al. 2002c), Active Sick Leave for social security claimants with back pain (Scheel et al. 2002a), Active Sick Leave (ASL) was a social security benefit scheme offered to temporarily disabled workers to promote (Scheel et al. 2002b) and support early return to modified work.
On page 244
Scheel IB, Hagen KB, Herrin J, Oxman AD. 2002b.A randomized controlled trial of two strategies to implement active sick leave for patients with low back pain. Spine 27: 561-566.
On page 71
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Inger B. Scheel et al. 2002


(The concept of getting all the stakeholders onside is doubtless necessary for successful occupational management of LBP, but it is not sufficient in itself (Scheel et al. 2002c)).
On page 198


(Scheel et al. 2002c), Active Sick Leave for social security claimants with back pain (Scheel et al. 2002a), Active Sick Leave (ASL) was a social security benefit scheme offered to temporarily disabled workers to promote (Scheel et al. 2002b) and support early return to modified work.
On page 244
Scheel IB, Hagen KB, Oxman AD. 2002c. Active sick leave for patients with back pain: All the players onside, but still no action. Spine 27: 654-659.
On page 71
Annual Review of Public Health (Annual Reviews)
Peter L. Schnall et al. 1994


TABLE 6: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH CARDIO-RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 6a-i: Cardiac conditions - impact of work (Schnall et al. 1994) Job strain & cardiovascular disease Quasi-systematic Reviews 36 studies on the relationship between job strain and cardiovascular disease outcomes (e.g. myocardial review infarction, mortality) and cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g. hypertension).
On page 217
Schnall PL, Landsbergis PA, Baker D. 1994. Job strain and cardiovascular disease. Annu Rev Public Health 15: 381-411.
On page 71
Journal of Mental Health (Informa UK Limited)
JUSTINE SCHNEIDER 1998


(Schneider 1998; Barton 1999; Crowther et al. 2001a; Schneider et al. 2002) M3 ** There is a correlation between working and more positive outcomes in symptom levels, self-esteem, quality of life and social functioning, but a health selection effect is likely and a clear causal relationship has not been established.
On page 32


(Schneider et al. 2002; Marwaha & Johnson 2004) Many people with severe mental illness want to work and 30-50% are capable of work, though only 10-20% are working (Schneider 1998; Schneider et al. 2002; Marwaha & Johnson 2004).
On page 32


However, the balance of the indirect evidence is that it is beneficial for their overall well-being (Schneider 1998; RCP 2002; Twamley et al. 2003).
On page 32


Table 4: The impact of work on the health of people with mental health conditions 153 TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4a: Severe mental illness (Schneider 1998) Work interventions in mental health care Narrative review Argued for a reconsideration of the role of work in psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation for people with severe mental disorders.
On page 164
Schneider J. 1998. Work interventions in mental health care: some arguments and recent evidence.J Mental Health 7: 81-94.
On page 71
Spine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Eva Schonstein et al. 2003


However, many of the issues raised about back pain are common to other musculoskeletal conditions, particularly neck pain and arm pain (NIOSH 1997; Buckle & Devereux 1999; National Research Council 2001; Schonstein et al. 2003; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; Waddell & Burton 2004; Punnett & Wegman 2004; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005).
On page 35


(Fordyce 1995;Frank et al. 1996;Abenhaim et al. 2000;de Buck et al. 2002;Staal et al. 2003; Carter & Birrell 2000; Schonstein et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; ARMA 2004; Staal et al. 2003; Cairns & Hotopf 2005) MS5 ** Control (reduction) of the physical demands of work can facilitate work retention for people with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those with specific diseases.
On page 36
Schonstein E, Kenny J, Keating J, Koes BW. 2003. Work conditioning, work hardening and functional restoration for workers with back and neck pain (Cochrane Review). In The Cochrane Library, Issue 3 Update Software, Oxford.
On page 71
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Detlef Schwefel 1986


There are a number of potential causal pathways between health, work and well-being, with complex interactions and sometimes contradictory effects (Schwefel 1986; Shortt 1996): • In modern society, work provides the material wherewithal for life and well-being • Health and fitness underpin capacity for work (irrespective of whether any health problem bears a causal relationship to work – possible confounding) People’s health may make them more or less likely to seek or obtain work, influence their work performance, and influence whether or not they leave work temporarily or permanently – health selection and the healthy worker effect.
On page 12


TABLE 3: WORK FOR SICK AND DISABLED PEOPLE Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 3b: Sickness absence and return to work continued (Schwefel 1986) Unemployment, health and health services in German-speaking countries Narrative review There are manifold links between (un)employment and (ill) health: Employment may lead to illness because of unfavourable working conditions or job insecurity.
On page 147
Schwefel D. 1986. Unemployment, health and health services in German-speaking countries. Sco Sci Med 22: 409-430.
On page 71
Experimental Aging Research (Informa UK Limited)
Roy J. Shephard 1999


(Tuomi et al. 1997; Shephard 1999; Ilmarinen 2001; Benjamin & Wilson 2005) A8 * There is mixed evidence that older workers have any decline in perceived/reported health (despite increasing disease prevalence).
On page 26


(Tuomi et al. 1997;Wegman 1999; Shephard 1999; Scales & Scase 2000; Ilmarinen 2001) A9 ** Older workers do not necessarily have substantially more sickness absence (despite more severe illnesses and injuries).
On page 26


(Hansson et al. 1997;Wegman 1999; Shephard 1999; Kilbom 1999; Ilmarinen 2001) 16 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 26


years) continued (Shephard 1999) Age and physical work capacity Narrative review Ageing is associated with a progressive decrement in various components of physical work capacity, including aerobic power and capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and the tolerance of thermal stress.
On page 117
Shephard RJ. 1999. Age and physical work capacity. Experimental Aging Research 25: 331-343.
On page 72
International Journal of Health Services (SAGE Publications)
Samuel E. D. Shortt 1996


There are a number of potential causal pathways between health, work and well-being, with complex interactions and sometimes contradictory effects (Schwefel 1986; Shortt 1996): • In modern society, work provides the material wherewithal for life and well-being • Health and fitness underpin capacity for work (irrespective of whether any health problem bears a causal relationship to work – possible confounding) People’s health may make them more or less likely to seek or obtain work, influence their work performance, and influence whether or not they leave work temporarily or permanently – health selection and the healthy worker effect.
On page 12


(Jin et al. 1995; Shortt 1996; Mathers & Schofield 1998; Lakey 2001) U4 *** Poorer mental health and psychological well-being, more psychological distress, minor psychological/psychiatric morbidity, increased rates of parasuicide.
On page 22


(Bartley 1994; Janlert 1997; Shortt 1996; Murphy & Athanasou 1999) There are a number of possible mechanisms by which unemployment might have adverse effects on health (Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996): U7 *** The health effects of unemployment are at least partly mediated through socioeconomic status, (probably relative rather than absolute) poverty and financial anxiety.
On page 22


(Hakim 1982; Brenner & Mooney 1983; Ezzy 1993; Bartley 1994; Shortt 1996; Cohen 1999; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999; Saunders 2002b; Saunders & Taylor 2002) U13 *** individual factors such as gender and family status, age, education, social capital, social support, previous job satisfaction & reason for job loss, duration out of work, and by desire and expectancy of re-employment.
On page 23


(Warr 1987; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996; Nordenmark & Strandh 1999) Review findings 13 Overall, there is extensive evidence that there are strong links between unemployment and poorer physical and mental health and mortality.
On page 23


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1b: Unemployment continued (Shortt 1996) Is unemployment pathogenic?
On page 105


(Highly technical economic modelling, with extensive debate about the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology (e.g. see (Platt 1984; Wagstaff 1985; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996)).
On page 111
Shortt SED. 1996. Is unemployment pathogenic? A review of current concepts with lessons for policy planners. International Journal of Health Services 26: 569-589.
On page 72
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Gregory E. Simon et al. 2001


(Simon et al. 2001) Depression and work productivity Systematic review Major depression is one of the health conditions associated with the greatest work loss and work cutback.
On page 165
Simon GE, Barber C, Birnbaum HG, Frank RG, Greenberg PE, Rose RM, Wang PS, Kessler RC. 2001. Depression and work productivity: the comparative costs of treatment versus nontreatment. J Occup Environ Med 43: 2-9.
On page 72
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology (Elsevier BV)
Robert E. Slavin 1995


This may be described as a ‘best evidence synthesis’, which summarises the available literature and draws conclusions about the balance of evidence, based on its quality, quantity and consistency (Slavin 1995; Franche et al. 2005).
On page 17


An alternative approach is a ‘best evidence synthesis’, which summarises the best available evidence and draws conclusions about the balance of evidence, based on its quality, quantity and consistency (Slavin 1995; Franche et al. 2005).
On page 252
Slavin R. 1995. Best evidence synthesis: an intelligent alternative to meta-analysis. J Clin Epidemiol 48: 9-18.
On page 72
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
L. Smith et al. 1998


Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999; Poissonnet & Véron 2000) on physical and mental health.
On page 21


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (Smith et al. 1998) Work shift duration: comparing 8 hour and 12 hour shifts Systematic review A compressed working week is defined as ‘Any system of fixed working hours more than eight hours in duration which results in a working week of less than five full days of work a week’.
On page 82
Smith L, Folkard S, Tucker P, Macdonald I. 1998. Work shift duration: a review comparing eight hour and 12 hour shift systems. Occup Environ Med 55: 217-229.
On page 72
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (Wiley)
Kate Sparks et al. 1997


(Acheson et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999; Poissonnet & Véron 2000) on physical and mental health.
On page 21


(Sparks et al. 1997) The effect of hours of work on health Systematic review Meta-analysis of 21 studies showed weak but significant positive correlations (mean r = 0.13) between overall and meta-analysis health symptoms, physiological and psychological health symptoms and hours of work.
On page 81


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (van der Hulst 2003) Long work hours and health Systematic review Earlier reviews (e.g. Sparks 1997) did not fully distinguish long working hours from possible confounders such as shift work and high job demands.
On page 87
Sparks K, Cooper C, Fried Y, Shirom A. 1997. The effects of hours of work on health: a metaanalytic review. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 70: 391-408.
On page 72
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (Wiley)
Kate Sparks et al. 2001


(Sparks et al. 2001) Well-being and occupational health in the 21st century workplace Narrative review Considers the impact on employee well-being of major changes in the workplace over the past 40 years: increased female participation, globalisation, organisational restructuring and downsizing, changes in work contracts and scheduling, more short-term contracts and flexible working, and the growth of information technology.
On page 84
Sparks K, Faragher B, Cooper CL. 2001. Well-being and occupational health in the 21st century workplace.Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 74: 489-509.
On page 73
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (BMJ)
J B Staal 2003


(Fordyce 1995;Frank et al. 1996;Abenhaim et al. 2000;de Buck et al. 2002;Staal et al. 2003; Carter & Birrell 2000; Schonstein et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; National Health and Medical Research Council 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; ARMA 2004; Staal et al. 2003; Cairns & Hotopf 2005) MS5 ** Control (reduction) of the physical demands of work can facilitate work retention for people with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those with specific diseases.
On page 36


(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
On page 36


(ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; Staal et al. 2003; Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Henriksson et al. 2005; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) Four main themes emerged from the evidence: (a) the high background prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the general population; (b) work can be a risk factor for musculoskeletal conditions; (c) the important modifying influence of psychosocial factors; and (d) the need to combine clinical and occupational strategies in the secondary prevention of chronic disability.
On page 37


See also (Spitzer et al. 1995; Allen et al. 1997; Motor Accidents Authority 2001; ABI 2003)] (Staal et al. 2003) International comparison of occupational health guidelines for management of low back pain Systematic review National occupational health guidelines from 6 countries were reviewed.
On page 203


Table 5: the impact of work on the health of people with musculoskeletal conditions 193 TABLE 5: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 5: The Impact of Work on the Health of People with Musculoskeletal Conditions continued (Staal et al. 2003) International comparison of occupational health guidelines for management of low back pain (continued) Systematic review • This New Zealand guidance on managing back pain in the workplace is based on the idea of ‘active and (ACC and the working’.
On page 204
Staal JB, Hlobil H, van Tulder MW, Waddell G, Burton AK, Koes BW, van Mechelen W. 2003. Occupational health guidelines for the management of low back pain: an international comparison. Occup Environ Med 60: 618-626.
On page 73
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Springer Nature)
J. Bart Staal et al. 2005


Importantly, physical activity and early return to work interventions do not seem to be associated with any increased risk of recurrences or further sickness absence (Staal et al. 2005; McCluskey et al. 2006).
On page 38


(Staal et al. 2005) Physical exercise to improve disability and return to work in low back pain Narrative review Acknowledges the body of literature indicating that physical exercise might be effective to stimulate return to work and improve function in workers WHO are absent from work due to low back pain.
On page 213
Staal JB, Rainville J, Fritz J, van Mechelen W, Pransky G. 2005. Physical exercise interventions to improve disability and return to work in low back pain: current insights and opportunities for improvement. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 15: 491-502.
On page 73
Pain (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Ólöf A Steingrímsdóttir et al. 2004


Other studies show a high correlation 2004) between psychological, pain and musculoskeletal symptoms and high intra-individual variability over time, though initial reports tend to be higher (Steingrimsdottir et al. 2004).
On page 173
Steingrimsdottir OA,Vollestad NK, Knardahl S. 2004.Variation in reporting of pain and other subjective health complaints in a working population and limitations of single sample measurements. Pain 110: 130-139.
On page 73
Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Per-Gunnar Svensson 1987


Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits 223 TABLE 7: HEALTH AFTER MOVING OFF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits continued (Svensson 1987) World Health Organisation perspective on social and health policies to prevent ill health in the unemployed Brief policy paper There is a vicious circle of poverty, unemployment, other socio-economic symptoms of inequality, (multiple WHO disadvantage), vulnerability and discrimination, and chronic illness.
On page 234
Svensson PG. 1987. International social and health policies to prevent ill health in the unemployed: The World Health Organization perspective. Social Science & Medicine 25: 201-204.
On page 73
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Magnus Sverke et al. 2002


(Acheson et al. 1998; Fryers et al. 2003; Coats & Max 2005) (Ferrie 1999; Benavides et al. 2000; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002; Dooley 2003) W9 * There is conflicting evidence that long working hours (with no evidence for any particular limit) and shift work have a weak negative effect (Harrington 1994a; Sparks et al. 1997; van der Hulst 2003); limited evidence that flexible work schedules have a weak positive effect (Baltes et al. 1999); and conflicting evidence about any effect of compressed working weeks of 12-hour shifts (Smith et al. 1998; Baltes et al. 1999;
On page 21


Any adverse effects of work stressors appear to be comparable in magnitude to those of job insecurity (Ferrie 1999; Quinlan et al. 2001; Sverke et al. 2002).
On page 35


HEALTH EFFECTS OF WORK vs UNEMPLOYMENT Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 1a: Work continued (Sverke et al. 2002) Job insecurity and its consequences Meta-analysis Job insecurity was defined as ‘the subjectively experienced threat of involuntary job loss’.
On page 85
Sverke M, Hellgren J, Näswall K. 2002. No security: A meta-analysis and review of job insecurity and its consequences. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology 7: 242-264.
On page 73
Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
Susan M. Tarlo et al. 2005


Cardiorespiratory conditions have a high prevalence in the general population (Perk & Alexanderson 2004; Tarlo & Liss 2005); whilst certain characteristics of work can be risk factors, cardiorespiratory conditions are often multifactorial in nature.
On page 38


Table 6b: (Asthma UK 2004;Tarlo & Liss 2005; Malo 2005; IIAC 2006; HSE 2006) There is an extensive literature on the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular conditions, though there is less on respiratory conditions.
On page 39


(Tarlo & Liss 2005) Prevention of occupational asthma Narrative review Occupational factors contribute to ~10% of adult-onset asthma, and occupational asthma is one of the commonest occupational lung diseases.
On page 230
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Thomas C, Benzeval M, Stansfeld SA. 2005. Employment transitions and mental health: an analysis from the British household panel survey. J Epidemiol Community Health 59: 243-249.
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Heart (BMJ)
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Table 6a: (Wenger et al. 1995;Thompson et al. 1996; van der Doef & Maes 1998; Thompson & Lewin 2000;Wozniak & Kittner 2002; Reynolds et al. 2004) Table 6b: (Hyman 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005; HSE 2006) 28 Is work good for your health & well-being?
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There remains the issue of work retention, because patients often leave work again (Thompson et al. 1996; NHS CRD 1998).
On page 39
Thompson DR, Bowman GS, Kitson AL, de Bono DP, Hopkins A. 1996. Cardiac rehabilitation in the United Kingdom: guidelines and audit standards. Heart 75: 89-93.
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Heart (BMJ)
D. R Thompson 2000
Thompson DR, Lewin RJP. 2000. Management of the post-myocardial infarction patient: rehabilitation and cardiac neurosis. Heart 84: 101-105.
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MARIKA TIGGEMANN et al. 1984


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
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Tiggemann M, Winefield AH. 1984. The effects of unemployment on the mood, self-esteem, locus of control, and depressive affect of school-leavers. Journal of Occupational Psychology 57: 33-42.
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Akizumi Tsutsumi et al. 2004


M7 *** Cross-sectional studies show an association between various psychosocial characteristics of work (job satisfaction, job demands/control, effort/reward, social support) and various subjective measures of general health and psychological well-being (van der Doef & Maes 1999;Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005) Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 33


(Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005; Bond et al. 2006) The conceptual problem is the circularity in stimulus-response definitions: stressors are any (job) demands associated with adverse stress responses; stress responses are any adverse (health) effects attributed to stressors.
On page 34
Tsutsumi A, Kawakami N. 2004. A review of empirical studies on the model of effort-reward imbalance at work: reducing occupational stress by implementing a new theory. Social Science & Medicine 59: 2335-2359.
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Tveito TH, Halvorsen A, Lauvålien JV, Eriksen HR. 2002. Room for everyone in working life? 10% of the employees - 82% of the sickness leave. Norsk Epidemiologi 12: 63-68.
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The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health))
Elizabeth W. Twamley et al. 2003


However, the balance of the indirect evidence is that it is beneficial for their overall well-being (Schneider 1998; RCP 2002; Twamley et al. 2003).
On page 32


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4a: Severe mental illness continued (Twamley et al. 2003) Vocational rehabilitation in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders Meta-analysis Review of 11 RCTs, 9 of which were of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) or Supported Employment (SE).
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Twamley EW, Jeste DV, Lehman AF. 2003. Vocational rehabilitation in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: a literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 191: 515-523.
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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (Springer Nature)
H. Ursin 1997


M4 *** Emotional symptoms and minor psychological morbidity are very common in the working age population: most people cope with these most of the time without health care or sickness absence from work (Ursin 1997; Glozier 2002) M5 *** People with mental health problems are more likely to be or to become workless (sickness, disability, unemployment), with a risk of a downward spiral of worklessness, deterioration in mental health and consequent reduced chances of gaining employment.
On page 33


TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-i: Stress: The impact of work on mental health continued (Ursin 1997), Subjective health complaints (SHC) (Eriksen & Ursin General population surveys show that at least 75% of working-age adults report one or more bodily or 1999), (Eriksen & mental symptoms in the past 30 days, the most common of which include tiredness (half), worry (a third) Ursin 2002), (Eriksen and depressed mood (a quarter).
On page 173


Table 4: The impact of work on the health of people with mental health conditions 163 TABLE 4: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 4c-i: Stress: The impact of work on mental health continued (Ursin 1997), Subjective health complaints (SHC) (continued) (Eriksen & Ursin (Ihlebæk & Eriksen 2003) found no significant difference in the prevalence of SHC between major 1999), (Eriksen & occupational groups.
On page 174
Ursin H. 1997. Sensitization, somatization, and subjective health complaints: a review. Internat J Behav Med 4: 105-116.
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Psychoneuroendocrinology (Elsevier BV)
Holger Ursin et al. 2004


Personal perceptions, cognitions and emotions are central to the experience of ‘stress’ (Cox et al. 2000b; Rick et al. 2001; Rick et al. 2002; Ursin & Eriksen 2004).
On page 35
Ursin H, Eriksen HR. 2004. The cognitive activation theory of stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 29: 567-592.
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Psychology & Health (Informa UK Limited)
Margot Van der Doef et al. 1998


Table 6a: (Wenger et al. 1995;Thompson et al. 1996; van der Doef & Maes 1998; Thompson & Lewin 2000;Wozniak & Kittner 2002; Reynolds et al. 2004) Table 6b: (Hyman 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005; HSE 2006) 28 Is work good for your health & well-being?
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van der Doef M, Maes S. 1998. The job demand-control(-suppor) model and physical health outcomes: a review of the strain and buffer hypotheses. Psychology and Health 13: 909-936.
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Work & Stress (Informa UK Limited)
Margot Van der Doef et al. 1999


M7 *** Cross-sectional studies show an association between various psychosocial characteristics of work (job satisfaction, job demands/control, effort/reward, social support) and various subjective measures of general health and psychological well-being (van der Doef & Maes 1999;Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005) Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 33
van der Doef M, Maes S. 1999. The job demand-control(-support) model and psychological well-being: a review of 20 years of empirical research. Work & Stress 13: 87-114.
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van Dixhoorn J,White A. 2005. Relaxation therapy for rehabilitation and prevention in ischaemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehhabil 12: 193-202.
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American Journal of Community Psychology (Wiley)
Michelle van Ryn et al. 1992
van Ryn M,Vinokur AD. 1992. How did it work? An examination of the mechanisms through which an intervention for the unemployed promoted job-search behavior. American Journal of Community Psychology 20: 577-597.
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Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Natasja van Vegchel et al. 2005


M7 *** Cross-sectional studies show an association between various psychosocial characteristics of work (job satisfaction, job demands/control, effort/reward, social support) and various subjective measures of general health and psychological well-being (van der Doef & Maes 1999;Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005) Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 33


(Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005; Bond et al. 2006) The conceptual problem is the circularity in stimulus-response definitions: stressors are any (job) demands associated with adverse stress responses; stress responses are any adverse (health) effects attributed to stressors.
On page 34
van Vegchel N, de Jonge J, Bosma H, Schaufeli W. 2005. Reviewing the effort-reward imbalance model: drawing up the balance of 45 empirical studies. Social Science & Medicine 60: 1117-1131.
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Vingård E, Alexanderson K, Norlund A. 2004a. Consequences of being on sick leave. Scand J Public Health 32: 207-215.
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Journal of Applied Social Psychology (Wiley)
Amiram Vinokur et al. 1987


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


However, if these attempts to get work are unsuccessful, that failure can then have a further negative effect on mental health (Vinokur et al. 1987).
On page 31
Vinokur A, Caplan RD. 1987. Attitudes and social support: determinants of job-seeking behavior and well-being among the unemployed. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 17: 1007-1024.
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Journal of Applied Social Psychology (Wiley)
Amiram Vinokur et al. 1987


(Cohn 1978; Payne & Jones 1987;Vinokur et al. 1987; Caplan et al. 1989; Kessler et al. 1989; Ferrie et al. 2001) R6 *** Re-employment of unemployed adults improves psychological distress and minor psychiatric morbidity.
On page 29


However, if these attempts to get work are unsuccessful, that failure can then have a further negative effect on mental health (Vinokur et al. 1987).
On page 31
Vinokur A, Caplan RD, Williams CC. 1987. Effects of recent and past stress on mental health: coping with unemployment among Vietnam veterans and nonveterans. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 17: 710-730.
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Vinokur AD, Price RH, Caplan RD. 1991a. From field experiments to program implementation: assessing the potential outcomes of an experimental intervention program for unemployed persons. American Journal of Community Psychology 19: 543-562.
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American Journal of Community Psychology (Wiley)
Amiram D. Vinokur et al. 1995


(Caplan et al. 1989; Erens & Ghate 1993;Vinokur et al. 1995; Rowlingson & Berthoud 1996; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) There is conflicting evidence on the extent to which this is a health selection effect or cause and effect: probably both occur.
On page 40


(Vinokur et al. 1995; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Bloch & Prins 2001;Watson et al. 2004) SS4 *** After leaving benefits, many claimants go into poorly paid or low quality jobs, and insecure, unstable or unsustained employment.
On page 40


(Vinokur et al. 1995) Impact of the JOBS intervention on unemployed workers varying in risk of depression (Vinokur & Schul (This is a separate cohort from Caplan et al 1989.
On page 237


(Vuori et al. 2002) The Tyophon job search programme in Finland Randomized Replication of the JOBS (Caplan et al 1989) and JOBSII (Vinokur et al 1995) programs in Michigan, USA.
On page 243
Vinokur AD, Price RH, Schul Y. 1995. Impact of the JOBS intervention on unemployed workers varying in risk for depression. American Journal of Community Psychology 23: 39-74.
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Vinokur AD, Schul Y. 1997. Mastery and inoculation against setbacks as active ingredients in the JOBS intervention for the unemployed. J Consult Clin Psychol 65: 867-877.
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Amiram D. Vinokur et al. 1991
Vinokur AD, van Ryn M, Gramlich EH, Price RH. 1991b. Long-term follow-up and benefit-cost analysis of the JOBS project: a preventive intervention for the unemployed. J Appl Psychol 76: 213-219.
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Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (American Psychological Association (APA))
Amiram D. Vinokur et al. 2000


Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits 227 TABLE 7: HEALTH AFTER MOVING OFF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits continued (Vinokur et al. 2000) Impact of the JOBS intervention on unemployed workers varying in risk of depression (continued) Randomized Two-year follow-up (Vinokur et al 2000) showed that the experimental group still had significantly higher controlled trial rates of employment and monthly income, lower levels of depressive symptoms, fewer major depressive US episodes, and better role and emotional functioning than the control group.
On page 238
Vinokur AD,Vuori J, Schul Y, Price RH. 2000. Two years after a job loss: longterm impact of the JOBS Program on reemployment and mental health. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology 5: 32-47.
On page 76
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care (Informa UK Limited)
Pekka Virtanen 1993


(Virtanen 1993; Ferrie et al. 2001) R9 ** Even after re-employment, there is a persisting risk of subsequent poor employment patterns and further spells of unemployment.
On page 30


HEALTH IMPACTS OF EMPLOYMENT, RE-EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT Study Population/setting Follow-up Health measures Key findings on re-employment (Additional reviewers' comments in italics) Table 2b: Adults (Age ~25 to ~ 50 years) continued (Virtanen 1993) 84 teenage & 143 2 years Frequency of Re-employment was associated with an Finland adult long-term primary health increased rate of consultation, from low to (Westin 1993) unemployed, &
On page 131
Virtanen P. 1993. Unemployment, re-employment and the use of primary health care services. Scand J Primary Health Care 11: 228-233.
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Journal of Vocational Behavior (Elsevier BV)
Chockalingam Viswesvaran et al. 1999


M7 *** Cross-sectional studies show an association between various psychosocial characteristics of work (job satisfaction, job demands/control, effort/reward, social support) and various subjective measures of general health and psychological well-being (van der Doef & Maes 1999;Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005) Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 33


Review findings 23 The strongest associations are with job satisfaction (Faragher et al. 2005), and the weakest with social support (Viswesvaran et al. 1999; Bond et al. 2006).
On page 34


(Viswesvaran et al. 1999; de Lange et al. 2003;Tsutsumi & Kawakami 2004; van Vegchel et al. 2005; Faragher et al. 2005; Bond et al. 2006) The conceptual problem is the circularity in stimulus-response definitions: stressors are any (job) demands associated with adverse stress responses; stress responses are any adverse (health) effects attributed to stressors.
On page 34
Viswesvaran C, Sanchez JI, Fisher J. 1999. The role of social support in the process of work stress: a meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior 54: 314-334.
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Jukka Vuori et al. 2002


(Vuori et al. 2002) The Tyophon job search programme in Finland Randomized Replication of the JOBS (Caplan et al 1989) and JOBSII (Vinokur et al 1995) programs in Michigan, USA.
On page 243
Vuori J, Silvonen J,Vinokur AD, Price RH. 2002. The Työhön Job Search Program in Finland: benefits for the unemployed with risk of depression or discouragement. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology 7: 5-19.
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Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (Wiley)
Jukka Vuori et al. 1999


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
On page 30
Vuori J, Vesalainen J. 1999. Labour market interventions as predictors of re-employment, job seeking activity and psychological distress among the unemployed. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psycholoy 72: 523-538.
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G. Waddell 2001
Waddell G, Burton AK. 2001. Occupational health guidelines for the management of low back pain at work: evidence review. Occup Med 51: 124-135.
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Social Science & Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Adam Wagstaff 1985


(Highly technical economic modelling, with extensive debate about the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology (e.g. see (Platt 1984; Wagstaff 1985; Ezzy 1993; Shortt 1996)).
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Wagstaff A. 1985. Time series analysis of the relationship between unemployment and mortality: a survey of econometric critiques and replications of Brenner’s studies. Soc Sci Med 21: 985-996.
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Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (BMJ)
K Walker-Bone 2005
Walker-Bone K, Cooper C. 2005. Hard work never hurt anyone: or did it? A review of occupational associations with soft tissue musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limb. Ann Rheum Dis 64: 1391-1396.
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Connie R. Wanberg 1995


(Kessler et al. 1989; Hamilton et al. 1993; Claussen et al. 1993; Burchell 1994; Wanberg 1995; Halvorsen 1998;Ferrie et al. 2001;Ferrie et al. 2002;Ostry et al. 2002) Review findings 19 R8 * There is conflicting evidence that visits to health professionals are reduced by re-employment.
On page 29


(Wanberg 1995) 129 unemployed Baseline & Global and facet The only significant main effects for time were US <4 months 9 months job satisfaction; found for mental health.
On page 133
Wanberg CR. 1995. A longitudinal study of the effects of unemployment and quality of reemployment. Journal of Vocational Behavior 46: 40-54.
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Work & Stress (Informa UK Limited)
Peter Warr 1994


(Warr 1987) Work, unemployment and mental health Book In Warr’s ‘vitamin model’, jobs and unemployment can be characterised as psychologically ‘good’ or ‘bad’ on nine (Warr 1994) dimensions: opportunity for control, opportunity for skills use, externally generated goals, variety, environmental Theoretical paper clarity, availability of money (financial hardship in unemployment arguably having the most important impact on mental health), physical security, opportunity for inter-personal contact, and valued social position.
On page 100


That criticism appears to be overstated (see (Warr 1994)).
On page 100
Warr P. 1994. A conceptual framework for the study of work and mental health. Work & Stress 8: 84-97.
On page 77
British Journal of Psychology (Wiley)
Peter Warr et al. 2004


People WHO are happy with their current role (whether continuing to work or early retired) also have better affective wellbeing (Warr et al. 2004).
On page 28


Unemployment and retirement may then have different effects on health and well-being and must be considered separately (Warr et al. 2004).
On page 28
Warr P, Butcher V, Robertson I, Callinan M. 2004. Older people’s well-being as a function of employment, retirement, environmental characteristics and role preference. British Journal of Psychology 95: 297-324.
On page 77
Psychological Medicine (Cambridge University Press (CUP))
Peter Warr et al. 1985


However, eight other studies that tested this hypothesis in various ways failed to demonstrate any health selection effect (Tiggemann & Winefield 1984; Warr & Jackson 1985; Layton 1986b; Kessler et al. 1989; Patton & Noller 1990; Graetz 1993; Schaufeli 1997; Vuori & Vesalainen 1999).
On page 30
Warr P, Jackson P. 1985. Factors influencing the psychological impact of prolonged unemployment and of re-employment. Psychological Medicine 15: 795-807.
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European Journal of Pain (Wiley)
Paul J Watson et al. 2004


(Bound 1989;Caplan et al. 1989;Proudfoot et al. 1997;Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) SS2 ** Claimants WHO move off benefits and (re-)enter work generally have increased income.
On page 40


(Caplan et al. 1989; Erens & Ghate 1993;Vinokur et al. 1995; Rowlingson & Berthoud 1996; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Dorsett et al. 1998;Watson et al. 2004; Mowlam & Lewis 2005) There is conflicting evidence on the extent to which this is a health selection effect or cause and effect: probably both occur.
On page 40


(Vinokur et al. 1995; Proudfoot et al. 1997; Bloch & Prins 2001;Watson et al. 2004) SS4 *** After leaving benefits, many claimants go into poorly paid or low quality jobs, and insecure, unstable or unsustained employment.
On page 40


Table 6: The impact of work on the health of people with cardio-respiratory conditions 237 TABLE 7: HEALTH AFTER MOVING OFF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 7: Health after moving off social security benefits continued (Watson et al. 2004) Back to Work Pilot study (Department for Work and Pensions) UK Cohort study of a work-focused rehabilitation programme for social security benefit recipients with chronic low back pain (n = 88).
On page 248
Watson PJ, Booker CK, Moores L, Main CJ. 2004. Returning the chronically unemployed with low back pain to employment. European Journal of Pain 8: 359-369.
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Weber A, Lehnert G. 1997. Unemployment and cardiovascular diseases: a causal relationship? Int Arch Occup Environ Health 70: 153-160.
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(Frank et al. 1996;Westgaard & Winkel 1997;ACC and the National Health Committee 1997; Frank et al. 1998; RCGP 1999; de Buck et al. 2002; Staal et al. 2003;Waddell & Burton 2004; COST B13 working group 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004; de Croon et al. 2004;ARMA 2004; Franche et al. 2005; Loisel et al. 2005) 26 Is work good for your health & well-being?
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Westgaard RH, Winkel J. 1997. Ergonomic intervention research for improved musculoskeletal health: A critical review. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 20: 463-500.
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Steinar Westin 1993


dults (Age ~25 to ~ 50 years) continued (Virtanen 1993) 84 teenage & 143 2 years Frequency of Re-employment was associated with an Finland adult long-term primary health increased rate of consultation, from low to (Westin 1993) unemployed, & care visits normal (compared with the continuously (Editorial) 82 continuously employed).
On page 131
Westin S. 1993. Does unemployment increase the use of primary health care services? (Editorial). Scand J Primary Health Care 11: 225-227.
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Disability and Rehabilitation (Informa UK Limited)
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People with musculoskeletal conditions WHO are helped to return to work can enjoy better health (level of pain, function, quality of life) than those WHO remain off work (Westman et al. 2006; Lötters et al. 2005).
On page 38
Westman A, Linton SJ, Theorell T, Öhrvik J, Wahlén P, Leppert J. 2006. Quality of life and maintenance of improvements after early multimodal rehabilitation: A 5-year follow-up. Disability and Rehabilitation 28: 437-446.
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White S. 2004. A social democratic framework for benefit conditionality. In Sanctions and sweeteners: rights and responsibilities in the benefits system (Ed. Stanley K, Lohde LA, White S) Institute for Public Policy Research, London.
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Winefield AH, Tiggemann M. 1990. Employment status and psychological well-being: a longitudinal study. Journal of Applied Psychology 75: 455-459.
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Winefield AH, Tiggemann M, Winefield HR. 1990. Factors moderating the psychological impact of unemployment at different ages. Person Individ Diff 11: 45-52.
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Winefield AH, Tiggemann M,Winefield HR. 1991a. The psychological impact of unemployment and unsatisfactory employment in young men and women: longitudinal and cross-sectional data. Brit J Psychol 82: 487-505.
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Winefield AH, Winefield HR, Tiggemann M, Goldney RD. 1991b. A longitudinal study of the psychological effects of unemployment and unsatisfactory employment on young adults. Journal of Applied Psychology 76: 424-431.
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Clinics in Sports Medicine (Elsevier BV)
Lisa Womack 2003


Table 6: The impact of work on the health of people with cardio-respiratory conditions 215 TABLE 6: THE IMPACT OF WORK ON THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH CARDIO-RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 6a-ii: Cardiac conditions - management continued (Womack 2003) Cardiac rehabilitation secondary prevention programmes Narrative review The philosophy of early cardiac rehabilitation represents a shift in previous thinking, whereby patients did not begin rehabilitation until 6 weeks after their event.
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Womack L. 2003. Cardiac rehabilitation secondary prevention programs. Clin Sports Med 22: 135-160.
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Occupational Medicine (Oxford University Press (OUP))
Valerie Woods 2005


(Burton 1997; Ferguson & Marras 1997; Davis & Heaney 2000;Abenhaim et al. 2000; National Research Council 2001;Waddell & Burton 2004; Helliwell & Taylor 2004;Woods 2005; Walker-Bone & Cooper 2005; Henriksson et al. 2005) MS4 *** Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work (or remaining at work) are therapeutic and beneficial for health and well-being for most workers with musculoskeletal conditions.
On page 36


(Woods 2005) Work-related musculoskeletal health and social support Narrative review Concerns the relationship between the level of social support at work (e.g. poor communication channels, unsatisfactory work relationships, unsupportive organisational culture) and work-related musculoskeletal ill-health (reported symptoms, sick leave, medical consultation, disability retirement).
On page 210
Woods V. 2005. Work-related musculoskeletal health and social support. Occupational Medicine 55: 177-189.
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Table 6a: (Wenger et al. 1995;Thompson et al. 1996; van der Doef & Maes 1998; Thompson & Lewin 2000;Wozniak & Kittner 2002; Reynolds et al. 2004) Table 6b: (Hyman 2005; Nicholson et al. 2005; HSE 2006) 28 Is work good for your health & well-being?
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Wozniak MA, Kittner SJ. 2002. Return to work after ischemic stroke: a methodological review. Neuroepidemiology 21: 159-166.
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Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Springer Science and Business Media LLC)
Amanda E. Young et al. 2005


TABLE 3: WORK FOR SICK AND DISABLED PEOPLE Authors Key features (Additional reviewers’ comments in italics) Table 3b: Sickness absence and return to work continued (Young et al. 2005) A developmental conceptualization of return to work Narrative review There is general agreement among all stakeholders that a safe, timely, and sustainable return to productivity is desirable.
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Young A, Roessler RT, Wasiak R, McPherson KM, van Poppel MNM, Anema JR. 2005. A developmental conceptualization of return to work. J Occup Rehabil 15: 557-568.
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