Lack of treatment options and support limiting arthritic Scots’ ability to work

More than half of people with arthritis in Scotland say their condition has impacted on their ability to work, recent research reveals.

A survey of over 1,000 Scots living with arthritis highlighted gaps in support which was leaving many unable to work.

Commissioned by charity Arthritis UK and conducted by YouGov, the poll found 56 per cent of said arthritis had impacted on their working lives, with 40 per cent stopping work and 38 per cent entering retirement.

The report said long waiting times to get a diagnosis, a lack of treatment options and limited access to support all played a part.

The Scottish Government said it offers "sympathies" to those experiencing long waits and pointed to investment to improve on that.

The charity is calling for more investment to improve services, including better training for frontline healthcare professionals.

Lauren Bennie, Arthritis UK’s Head of Scotland, said: “Far too many people in Scotland are being pushed out of work because of arthritis. This includes one in three people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on day one of the Scottish Parliament who will have left the workplace by the end of that same parliament. What kind of legacy is that for any party in government? This is a public health issue that demands urgent action.”

The Scottish Government is currently working on a new Long Term Conditions Framework. The charity is calling for arthritis to be recognised within this, and for an action plan to meet the challenges found in the survey.

Multi-year investment in orthopaedic surgery to reduce waiting times is also sought.

In addition to the impact on employment, the survey found 62 per cent of people said they were living in pain all or most of the time, almost half felt their symptoms were not taken seriously, and 69 per cent of people said treatment waits had impacted their mental health.

People living in deprived areas, younger adults and those with autoimmune conditions face more barriers to getting support, the report added.

Public health minister Jenni Minto said: “Excessively long waiting lists are not acceptable and we offer our sympathies to all patients waiting for treatment. 

“We are investing more than £110m this year to give patients faster access to treatment, with more than 213,000 additional appointments and procedures this year. More than £25m will be targeted towards trauma and orthopaedics.

“The 2025-26 Scottish budget sees record levels of investment in medical training, supporting greater foundation year places and additional specialty training places including in services with expertise in arthritis and other long term conditions.

“The Long Term Conditions Framework aims to encourage fairer care across all long term health conditions, better recognising that many people need the same type of support regardless of their circumstances. It will also still allow for specific care and help where appropriate.”