'The survey shows that sickness absence is now the lowest for well over a decade and smashes the myth that Britain is a nation of shirkers. In fact the reverse is true and many people still struggle into work when they are far too ill to do so.

'Public sector workers have less short term but more long term absence rates than the private sector. Public sector workers report long term sickness more for two reasons. First many companies don't allow long term sick leave - you get the sack. Second some public sector workers are more likely to be attacked or suffer stress because of their jobs.

'Only lazy employers think that the solution to excess sick leave is to emphasise the stick. The best way is to work with staff with effective risk assessments, flexible working and positive sickness management programmes.

'Most of next month's World Cup games are in the evening, so despite CBI concerns, few employees are likely to throw football induced 'sickies'. Sensible employers will be allowing their employees who are in work the flexibility to organise their work around games or will be installing temporary screens in the office. Trusting staff and treating them like grown ups is the best way to help reduce absenteeism at work.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet : a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 15 May 2006

Publications

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Creating Partnerships for Prevention – joining up health and safety

Events

South West Safer at Work

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