Being in good employment is protective of health. Conversely, unemployment contributes to poor health. Getting people into work is therefore of critical importance for reducing health inequalities.

However, jobs need to be sustainable and offer a minimum level of quality. They need to include not only a decent living wage, but also opportunities for in-work development the flexibility to enable people to balance work and family life, and protection from adverse working conditions that can damage health. Many people are trapped in a cycle of low-paid, poor quality work and unemployment.