CIPD: Firms keeping workers on sick leave

Tue 15 Jul 2008

A study, by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found poor workplace rehabilitation is stopping government efforts to get sick workers back into jobs.

The CIPD claimed government efforts have been undermined because nearly four in ten (36 per cent) employers offer no support to help employees.

"Government efforts to get people off long-term sickness benefit and back into work are to be welcomed. But more needs to be done to stem the steady stream of workers heading the other way," commented Ben Willmott, workplace advisor.

It results found the public sector (84 per cent), easily outperformed private employers (48 per cent) and smaller companies (25 per cent) in providing rehabilitation.

Mr Willmott added: "Government, NHS and employers have a mutual interest in reducing the numbers falling into long-term sickness and getting people back to work."

The CIPD's annual absence survey found average levels of employee absence have reduced slightly in almost all categories.

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