legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

## UK workers taking more sick days than in the past decade

By Vishala Sri-Pathma – Business reporter

Published: 6 hours ago

{.bbc-sni631}

*Image source: Getty Images*

UK workers are taking more sick days than at any point in the last decade, research suggests.

According to a study conducted by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), employees took an average of 7.8 sick days in the past year, which is an increase from the pre-pandemic figure of 5.8 days.

The rise in sick leave is a cause of concern, as it indicates the impact of stress, Covid-19, and the cost-of-living crisis on workers’ well-being. The CIPD emphasized that these conditions are having a profound impact on many people’s well-being.

The research analyzed rates of absence in more than 900 organizations, representing 6.5 million employees. Simplyhealth, a healthcare company providing outpatient support, conducted the study.

The study highlighted the most common reasons for short-term absence, which include minor illnesses (94%), musculoskeletal injuries (45%), and mental ill health (39%). Additionally, more than a third of organizations reported that Covid-19 is still a significant cause of sick days.

Regarding long-term sick leave, employees tended to attribute it to mental health issues, musculoskeletal injuries, or conditions such as cancer and stroke. The CIPD noted that changes in working culture since the pandemic, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, have left some employees feeling disengaged and stressed. Working from home could also pose challenges for staff who live alone or have limited social contact.

While most organizations surveyed offered sick pay, only about half had a strategy in place to enhance staff well-being. Despite these efforts, rates of absence continue to rise, and employers need to take further action. Rachel Suff, senior employee wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, emphasized the importance of managing the main risks to people’s health from work, preventing stress, and early intervention to prevent health issues from escalating.

To address these challenges, one potential solution is the AI legalese decoder, which can help employers navigate complex legal language and regulations related to employee well-being. This tool can assist organizations in understanding their obligations and implementing effective strategies to support their employees’ health and reduce absenteeism.

If you are finding that you’re taking more time off from work, we’d like to hear from you. Please get in touch by emailing [email protected]. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also submit your question or comment via the mobile version of the BBC website or by emailing [email protected]. Don’t forget to include your name, age, and location with your submission.

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link