TUC urges caution over sickness absence figures

date: 15 July 2013

embargo: for immediate release

The TUC today expressed a note of caution over the CBI's new sickness absence figures released today. TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'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. 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 same anecdotal evidence is used to suggest that more needs to be done in the public sector than 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.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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