Jump in work absence due to stress, anxiety and depression

Jump in work absence due to stress, anxiety and depression

By Margaret Rogers

Short-term sickness absence rates have reached a plateau according to an annual sickness report from EEF the manufacturers’ organisation.  The report does, however, show a 5% increase in long-term absence which, they say, is mainly due to a jump in absence because of stress, anxiety and depression.

They recommend that the government should implement the recommendations of their recent review of sickness absence ‘as a matter of urgency’.

The EEF/Westfield Health 2012 annual sickness absence report shows a steady year-on-year decline in short-term absence over the last five years.  This report includes the UK’s largest private sector business survey of sickness absence.   According to the report the number of employees having no sickness absence has increased to 51%.

EEF say that of greater concern is the difference between short and long-term absence from work.  Almost 40% of companies saw an increase of 5% in long-term absence which is mainly down to stress related illnesses which often result in longer periods off work.

Proposals outlined in the Sickness Absence Review carried out by Dame Carol Black and David Frost must be followed if this trend is to be reversed, according to EEF chief medical adviser Professor Sayeed Khan.  These proposals include the embedding of the fit note, improvements in the training of doctors and tax breaks for companies who invest in rehabilitation.

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