TUC slams CBI's sick spin

TUC slams CBI's sick spin

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) had found workplace sickness absence is at a new record low, but has let itself down by regurgitating 'sickie' and other myths, the TUC has said. The employer lobby group CBI/Pfizer Absence and Workplace Health Survey found the average absence rate was 5.3 days in 2012, down from 6.5 days in 2010. According to the CBI survey of 153 managers, absence rates in the public and private sector were down to 6.9 (from 8.1) and 4.9 (from 5.9) days respectively. CBI said an estimated one in eight sick days were 'taken for non-genuine reasons, with one in five employers believing employees take 'sickies' as an occasional perk.' TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady responded: 'It is unfortunate that the report makes the claim that one in eight sick days are taken for 'non-genuine' reasons. This figure is based on the views of managers, gathered using an online survey open to all, rather than any hard evidence. In fact sickness absence is at an all-time low.' She added: 'Much of this is down to better management of sickness absence and joint working with unions. But the TUC has consistently warned about the effects on productivity of workers feeling obliged or pressurised to come into work when they are ill. There is evidence that this 'presenteeism' is a growing trend.' The union leader also queried CBI's claim that billions would be saved by bring public sector sickness absence rates in line with the private sector. 'The causes of such differences in sickness absence are well known - greater stress and more sick pay schemes in many public sector jobs. The private sector is more likely to expect the state to pick up the cost. Indeed, many public sector workers such as nurses and care workers are discouraged, or even prohibited from coming into work when they have minor infectious illnesses for fear of transmitting them to their vulnerable patients or clients.'

• TUC news release.
• CBI news release and CBI-Pfizer Absence and Workplace Health survey 2013.