The number of women claiming sickness benefits is rising much faster than for men according to analysis of Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics by Legal & General.
Over the year from February 2010 to February 2011 the aggregate caseload for female claimants increased by 39% while the male caseload grew by 26%.
However men claimants still outnumber women.
In February 2010 202,030 women applied and this had reached 281,240 by February 2011.
For men the equivalent figures were 277,400 and 350,120.
Yesterday, COVER reported that successful applications and appeals for ESA had fallen for the latest periods data was available.
The latest Labour Market statistics revealed the number of unemployed women increased by 41,000 in the last quarter to reach 1.06 million, a figure not reached since 1988.
The number of unemployed men increased by 39,000.
The government is currently reviewing the way it handles absence in the workplace, with the results expected soon.
