At this time of year, many people are
tempted to call in sick for a day or so, suffering from nothing more than the
‘January blues’.  However, the annual costs in Britain of long term
sickness absence and worklessness* associated with genuine ill health is almost
£100 billion. NICE guidance published on managing these issues aims to
complement existing initiatives, helping reduce the number of employees on
long-term sickness absence, and encouraging going back to work.

The recommendations in the guidance are aimed at all those who have a role in
managing long-term sickness absence and incapacity.  This includes all employers,
employees, managers, workplace representatives, trade unions and professionals,
as well as the health service.
Professor Mike Kelly, Public Health Excellence Centre Director, NICE said:
“Long-term sickness absence and incapacity for work is a massive issue, and
around 175 million working days are lost in Britain each year due to sickness
absence; the associated cost of this is reaching £100 billion – more than the
annual NHS budget.

“The guidance from NICE aims to help employers and employees work together to
ensure that when someone is off work due to genuine illness, the right support
is available as early as possible, so they can return to work as soon as they
can.  We are recommending some very simple and straightforward measures
that even the smallest employer can implement. These include keeping in regular
positive contact with the staff member when they are off sick, and so ensuring
that they don’t feel isolated.”

Dr Richard Preece, Consultant in Occupational Medicine, Mid Cheshire Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust and member of the PDG said: “Being off work can have a
serious impact on your health, and the longer you are off sick, the harder it
is to return to work. This guidance is about ensuring people who are away from
work get access to the right kind of support at an early stage, helping them
return to work sooner.”

Dr Fiona Ford, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, University of Central
Lancashire and member of the PDG said: “GPs have a very important role as the
first port of call for people who are unable to work due to sickness or
disability. This guidance will help GPs to handle requests for sick notes
appropriately, and support their patients back into work, avoiding long-term
sickness absence whenever possible. It will also help employers know what they
can do to make a difference for their member of staff; offering the right
support, from the right people, at the right time.”