Sickness absence bill put at £12 billion a year
Sickness absence bill put at £12 billion a year
The cost of sickness absence to the British economy is around £12 billion per year, the safety minister has said. Addressing a human resources conference this week, Lord Philip Hunt said: 'The workplace in the 21st century is a fast paced, dynamic and highly stimulating environment. It brings a number of benefits and opportunities, however, with these benefits comes new risks.' The minister added: 'Sickness absence and return to work policies are only worth having if they have the full support of directors and top-level managers. After all, leadership starts from the top.' Lord Hunt said the government's October 2005 'Health, work and well-being' strategy aims to tackle sickness absence across the public and private sectors to improve the occupational health of the British workforce. He said under the strategy employers and employees are encouraged to work in partnership to solve issues of occupational ill-health, adding a joined up approach is vital if absenteeism is to be reduced and potential future problems identified early and addressed.
- HSE news release. HSE health agenda.
- TUC sickness absence webpages. Hazards sickness absence and work and health webpages.
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