Younger adults living in the north of England are 42% more likely to die than their counterparts in the South, according to new research.
A study by academics in Manchester and Liverpool found people in the North aged 25 to 49 faced a significantly higher risk of death than people of the same age living in southern England.
Researchers said deprivation was a major factor behind the gap and called for urgent action to tackle inequalities.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it was determined to reduce health inequalities and close the divide.
The research, by the University of Manchester, the University of Liverpool and Health Equity North, analysed deaths between 1981 and 2024.
It found that while death rates fell overall, the gap between younger adults in the north and south more than tripled. Overall, people aged 25 to 49 in the north had a 42% higher death rate, compared with 13% in 1981.
Although the study did not examine causes of death, previous research by the same group found strong links with deprivation.
Professor Iain Buchan, from the University of Liverpool, said the figures meant more than 3,000 people a year in northern England were dying before their time.
“I find it very shocking on a public health level and an overall country wellbeing level,” he said.
For those dealing with the health impacts of deprivation every day, the findings come as little surprise.
Care worker Lisa Chattington, from Hollinwood Medical Practice in Oldham, helps patients struggling financially or facing other challenges that can affect their health.
“Poverty is the root of everything. If you have no money, you can’t live in a warm house. You can’t eat the right food,” she said.