Sickness absence costs the UK economy approximately £13bn per annum and during the past five years this level of cost appears to have remained relatively constant. A pro-active approach by employers to sickness absence is recommended, particularly early referral to Occupational Health.

Occupational Health can also assist with developing strategies that help control staff absences – these may help to minimise the length of time staff are absent, and thus reduce the cost of sickness absence in the workforce.

How can Occupational Health benefit?
• Review of long term illness cases
• Assess employees with frequent sickness and absence
• Offer recommendations and advice with regard to return to work through early assessment and effective rehabilitation programmes
• Monitor absence trends, identify problems and initiate appropriate intervention programmes if requested.