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:

Fit for work briefing – 19th April, Leeds
The Yorkshire and the Humber TUC are organising a morning briefing in Leeds to hear from a range of experts on the implications of the fit note.
2 March 2010

TUC issues advice to union reps on new 'Fit Note'
At the same time as the government launched its guidance for employers on the new 'fit note' arrangements, the TUC published advice to unions and workplace representatives on how to prepare for the changes.
PDF version available for download
19 February 2010

TUC issues warning on new Fit Notes
The TUC has warned employers against using the introduction of a new medical statement or 'fit note' to try to force workers back to work before they are ready.
PDF version available for download
19 February 2010

Preparing for the new Fit Note
Guidance for unions and workplace representatives on the upcoming changes to the sick note, or medical statement, that employees get from their GP to certify sickness absence.
19 February 2010

Fit for Work - 14th April
A new 'fit note' is being introduced from the 5th April to replace the doctor's sick note. The fit note will outline what work an employee can do and is intended to help more people stay in work rather than drift into long term sickness. To help union reps the South West TUC have organised a morning conference to hear from a range of experts.
16 February 2010

Doctors won't decide on fitness to work
The new fit note will not give doctors the option to deem a patient 'fit for work', only whether they may be fit for some work, the government has indicated.
PDF version available for download
5 February 2010

Older documents - 31

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