Sickness Absence

Workers should not made ill or injured while at work, however if they are, it is important they are given support to ensure that they make a full and early recovery. A good policy of managing sickness absence can help this. Unfortunately many employers see managing sickness absence as forcing employers back to work as soon as possible, or disciplining those who are off work more regularly than others

People often think that there is a "sicknote culture" in Britain. In fact the opposite is the truth. More people go to work when ill than stay at home when well, and sickness absence rates have been falling steadily over the past 10 years

The TUC believes that being at work, in a rewarding job with a supportive employer, can be good for your health and being off work can make you feel worse. That is why we encourage jointly agreed sickness absence policies that support sick or injured workers. Positive sickness absence policies, developed in partnership with unions can make positive inroads into reducing absenteeism, especially if combined with good preventative measures aimed at stopping workers being made ill through back pain, stress, exposure to chemicals slips and trips etc

Links

HSE guide for safety representatives on tackling sickness absence(pdf file)

The most recent documents available on this subject are:

TUC's cautious note on fit notes
The TUC has sounded a note of caution about government proposals announced last week concerning the reform of the sick note
5 June 2009

What does the work doc know?
So, you've been ill, you're injured, you're starting a new job, you're job's made you sick - all reasons your employer might want a doctor to give you the once over. But is the doctor really qualified to make an assessment?
PDF version available for download
20 February 2009

Medical referrals in employment – Is the Doctor appropriately qualified?
Many union representatives will wish to ensure that those who are giving medical advice to either employees or employers on occupational health issues are suitable qualified. This short guide for employees and their representatives outlines the various qualifications that occupational health doctors may have and what they mean.
18 February 2009

Depression follows illness to work
Individuals returning to work following absence due to a physical condition such as back pain, cancer or heart disease are at risk of mild to moderate depression, researchers have found.
PDF version available for download
13 February 2009

Sharp increase in the working wounded
A quarter of workers (24 per cent) who thought they were too ill to work at some point in January still turned in, research for the TUC has found.
PDF version available for download
13 February 2009

Workers are 'afraid' to take sick leave
More than four in 10 Britons are worried about taking sick leave because they are afraid it will jeopardise their jobs.
PDF version available for download
23 January 2009

Older documents - 23

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