The CIPD’s annual survey on sick leave has been published which shows that the average days taken as sick leave has fallen from 7.6 days last year to 6.6 days this year. This is good news for employers as a whole although all employers have their share of those that take very little sick leave and those that take high amounts.  The trend has been a reduction over the last few years probably linked to the realisation by businesses that it must be tackled and the cost to businesses and industry as a whole.

Unsurprisingly public sector employees have the highest sick rate absences at the rate of 7.9 days. This sector tends to have more paid sick pay.  In the private sector where sick pay is less prevalent, the average is 5.5 days.

Employers should regularly review the patterns of sick leave across the workforce and tackle any issues that may be causing sick leave. Employers can bring cost benefits by seeking specialist advice and implementing a programme of change and awareness.