Workers taking ten 'sick' days a year
Midlands employees are among those taking an average ten days of unscheduled leave each year. According to research from PwC in the Midlands, this level of absenteeism costs British business approximately £32bn every year.
The cost, based on an average salary of £25,000, is far more than previous studies have suggested, said the accountancy firm.
The level of absenteeism in the UK is around twice that in the US (5.5 days) and Asia-Pacific (4.5 days).
Sickness accounts for around 80 per cent of absence, which also covers jury service and compassionate leave.
Jeremy May, human resources expert at PwC in the Midlands, said: "Absenteeism is a significant problem for Midlands businesses. With sickness accounting for the lion’s share of absence, the question for employers is what can be done to improve health, morale and motivation.
"The line between a worker taking a ‘sickie’ and experiencing genuine ‘sickness’ can be blurred, with disenchantment at work sometimes exacerbating medical conditions or preventing a speedy return."
