- British workers have taken an average of almost two full working weeks off in sick days over the past year, marking the highest level in over 15 years.
- This increase, up from just over one week pre-pandemic, is largely attributed to a rise in long-term health conditions, an ageing workforce, and mental health issues, with stress being a significant factor.
- While working from home has helped reduce absences for some, the rising number of sick days contributes to falling productivity and a widening productivity gap, costing the UK tens of billions of pounds.
- The Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, has highlighted the need for cultural change in work due to a significant increase in working-age people with disabilities, now at 8.7 million.
- Employers are responding by offering occupational sick pay and health schemes, though experts suggest there is no single quick fix for the complex issue, which costs the UK economy over £400 million weekly.
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