The cost of sickness absences has reached £29 billion a year in the UK - that's a lot of ill people, and empty offices.

By being aware of the possible reasons for sickness absence, you may be able to keep one step ahead.

What Are the Main Causes of Sickness Absence?

–    Back pain (this is largest reported reason for workplace absence)
–    Minor illness (such as flu or a stomach bug)
–    Stress (often due to work)
–    Recurring medical condition (which you should be aware of from having employees complete a medical questionnaire)
–    Acute, unexpected medical condition (e.g. burst appendix, heart attack)
–    Broken limbs

What Does The Law Say About Sickness Absence?

• Employees must provide a sick note from a doctor after 7 consecutive days off sick
• If they are ill just before, or during, any annual leave they have booked off then they can take it as sick leave instead
• You can ask employees to complete a ‘self-certification’ form when they return to work if they’ve been off sick for up to 7 days
• To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay, your employee must have been ill for at least four consecutive days, earn at least £112 a week and inform you that they’re sick before any deadline you have put in place
• You can put your own sick pay scheme in place and it must be included in employee contracts

If you have a query regarding sickness absence, maybe an employee has been off ill for a couple of weeks or an employee who is off sick too regularly, then we are the people to turn to.

Our HR consultants can be your first line of contact when issues like this arise, so give us a call on 0845 2626 260 to find out more about our services