Employment disputes 'still likely to be an issue due to sickness absence'

Published on 7 Jul 2010 under category: legal

Employment disputes may have fallen because of the government's introduction of the fit note.

New figures from the manufacturers' organisation EEF and Unum found that sickness absence has gone down in the manufacturing industry.

According to its survey, between 2007 and 2009, there was a steady fall in absence from work.

Workers took fewer days off last year, with the average falling from 6.8 days to 5.6 days.

This means that employers gained an average of an additional day of work per employee in 2009.

As well as the fit note, workers' job insecurities in the economic climate may have contributed to higher levels of attendance.

However, employment disputes could arise if workers feel that they are unable to take time off despite being very ill.

In addition, sickness still comes at a significant cost for employers – making it an issue that could increase disputes.

Commenting on the findings, Unum's chief medical officer, Professor Michael O'Donnell, said: "The cost of [long-term sickness absence] is potentially much higher than short-term absence, due to the expense of replacement staff, agency fees and many other indirect costs associated with absence – all a major headache for employers."

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