The bronchitic patient: a study of his employment problems.

Ninety-three male chronic bronchitics aged 40-64 years, 41 employed and 52 unemployed, were studied by structural interviews to evaluate factors leading to unemployment. Age was not important. Those employed were a little less disabled, and more were skilled, married, had working wives, had given up smoking, had tolerant employers and had suitable jobs, and fewer had travel problems. Of those unemployed most were not actively seeking work and, in half, income had not fallen with unemployment. Those interviewed felt that the Disablement Resettlement Officer, Industrial Rehabilitation Unit and their trade union did little to help with their problems. Ways to improve employment prospects for bronchitics are discussed.