Public sector employees are less likely to take sickness absence than their private sector counterparts, a new study has indicated. Research conducted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reveals that while government employees are more likely to take extended periods off work, short-term 'sickies' are far more common within private companies.
The study found that within the last month, more than one in five public sector workers have been to work when they were really too ill to do so. A further 41 per cent have gone into work poorly during the last year, compared to just 36 per cent of private sector employees, according to the research.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said people often talk about a 'sicknote culture' in the UK, but workers regularly go into work when they should not. They do this - not because they are afraid of their boss - but because they know they do vital jobs in over-stretched workplaces," he stated. "Of course positive sickness absence policies are important in the public and private sectors. But there is most to gain from tackling the causes of absence, particularly stress, and helping people return to work."
The government is in the process of introducing fit notes to the UK workplace, which detail the tasks an individual is capable of conducting during periods of illness or injury.
The study found that within the last month, more than one in five public sector workers have been to work when they were really too ill to do so. A further 41 per cent have gone into work poorly during the last year, compared to just 36 per cent of private sector employees, according to the research.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said people often talk about a 'sicknote culture' in the UK, but workers regularly go into work when they should not. They do this - not because they are afraid of their boss - but because they know they do vital jobs in over-stretched workplaces," he stated. "Of course positive sickness absence policies are important in the public and private sectors. But there is most to gain from tackling the causes of absence, particularly stress, and helping people return to work."
The government is in the process of introducing fit notes to the UK workplace, which detail the tasks an individual is capable of conducting during periods of illness or injury.
Gareth, APA.
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