NICE says 'support longterm sick'

NICE calls for greater support for those returning to work. On the first day back at work for many after the Christmas break, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is calling for more support to help those people returning to work after a long-term sickness absence.

At this time of year, many people are tempted to call in sick for a day or so, suffering from nothing more than the ‘January blues'.  However, the annual costs in Britain of long term sickness absence and worklessness* associated with genuine ill health is almost £100 billion. NICE guidance published on managing these issues aims to complement existing initiatives, helping reduce the number of employees on long-term sickness absence, and encouraging going back to work.

The recommendations in the guidance are aimed at all those who have a role in managing long-term sickness absence and incapacity.  This includes all employers, employees, managers, workplace representatives, trade unions and professionals, as well as the health service.
Professor Mike Kelly, Public Health Excellence Centre Director, NICE said: "Long-term sickness absence and incapacity for work is a massive issue, and around 175 million working days are lost in Britain each year due to sickness absence; the associated cost of this is reaching £100 billion - more than the annual NHS budget.

"The guidance from NICE aims to help employers and employees work together to ensure that when someone is off work due to genuine illness, the right support is available as early as possible, so they can return to work as soon as they can.  We are recommending some very simple and straightforward measures that even the smallest employer can implement. These include keeping in regular positive contact with the staff member when they are off sick, and so ensuring that they don't feel isolated."

Dr Richard Preece, Consultant in Occupational Medicine, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and member of the PDG said: "Being off work can have a serious impact on your health, and the longer you are off sick, the harder it is to return to work. This guidance is about ensuring people who are away from work get access to the right kind of support at an early stage, helping them return to work sooner."

Dr Fiona Ford, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, University of Central Lancashire and member of the PDG said: "GPs have a very important role as the first port of call for people who are unable to work due to sickness or disability. This guidance will help GPs to handle requests for sick notes appropriately, and support their patients back into work, avoiding long-term sickness absence whenever possible. It will also help employers know what they can do to make a difference for their member of staff; offering the right support, from the right people, at the right time."