Long-term sickness absence still a headache

Sickness absence is always an issue between employers and employees, with each side taking a different view.

Now comes a survey that tells us: ‘Long-term sickness absence..…has a substantial effect on UK industry as well as for the social welfare of the population. The cost of this is exponentially higher than short-term absence, due to the expense of replacement staff, agency fees and many other indirect costs associated with absence – all a major headache for employers.’

Nothing new there then!

The survey, which looks at sickness in the manufacturing sector, does, though, contain some useful material:
• 36% of employers report an increase in long-term sickness absence from 2007 to 2008
• Manufacturers need faster access to NHS treatments to help improve long-term sickness absence levels
• 45% of employers still view the sick note as a barrier to returning to work.
 
It’s published by the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and Unum, one of the UK’s leading group risk insurance providers.

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Tagged as: sickness absence