Survey: How does your physical health affect your work?
© Tim Scrivener Farmworkers across the UK are being invited to share how their physical health affects their daily work as part of a landmark survey.
Despite farming’s physical demands, data on the health of UK farm workers is limited.
A 2022 study covering England and Wales found that 52% of respondents were experiencing moderate to extreme discomfort at the time of the survey, and 64% had experienced farm-related muscular or joint pain in the past five years.
See also: Farm Doctor series
Similarly, the Big Farming Survey by Rabi in 2021 revealed that 52% reported pain and discomfort, one in four had mobility issues, and 21% said health problems made daily tasks difficult.
This new survey aims to build a fuller picture and shape Farmers Weekly’s Level The Field campaign for 2026.
In its third year, the campaign will focus on making farming more inclusive for those living with chronic conditions, disabilities, or invisible illnesses.
These conditions may include musculoskeletal disorders (like back or joint pain), cardiovascular issues, diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease or IBD, respiratory problems such as asthma, hearing or vision loss, limb differences, reproductive health issues such as endometriosis, menopause, and neurological conditions including dementia.
We welcome input from all farmworkers, whether living with a health condition or not.
Take part in the Farmers Weekly survey.