Workplace sick days lowest on record
British workers took 180 million sick days last year, averaging 6.4 days each, according to the latest Confederation of British Industry/Pfizer Absence and Workplace Health Survey.
The figure is the lowest since the survey began in 1987, with a small improvement in the public-sector absence rate helping to explain the fall.
However, the public-sector rate remains “significantly higher” than for the private sector, with employees taking an average of 8.3 days per year, compared with 5.8 days.
The survey estimates the total cost to employers at around £16.8 billion in 2009, plus indirect costs such as reductions in customer service and delays to teamwork.
HR staff questioned estimated that around 15%, or 27 million sick days, weren’t genuine costing the country £2.5 billion a year.
The survey also reveals that larger organisations had higher rates of absence than small ones, and that firms have increased their use of structured rehabilitation plans to help people with longer-term illnesses back to work.
The study highlights the fact that that long-term absence is a particular problem.
Although it only accounted for 5% of absences in 2009, the longer periods meant that it accounted for 20% of lost days in the private sector and 36% in the public sector.
Back pain and mental health issues are key causes of long-term absence, according to the survey.
Category: Health Insurance News, Insurance News
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