ONS report on sickness absence in the labour market, shows no overall change in levels of sickness absence (131 million days) on 2011, but reveals that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (30.6 million days) and mental health (15.2 million days) continue to be the major causes.

The rise in number of days attributed to mental health conditions (an increase of almost two million on 2011) may to some extent reflect reductions in stigma and better awareness of mental health conditions, but emphasises the need for better approaches to managing mental health conditions in the workplace, particularly through training, education and access to support. At the same time, evidence-based research conducted through Fit for Work Europe has shown that both temporary and permanent sickness absence related to MSDs can be reduced by 39 percent, and respectively 50 percent, provided that workers receive an intervention early enough.

“The lowest rates of sickness absence are found in SMEs, with the smallest (fewer than 25 employees) having lost just 1.7 percent of working hours to sickness absence (against 2.3 percent in the largest companies). Workers in SMEs often feel increased pressure not to be absent from work, out of concern for letting down colleagues, but the real cost of presenteeism affects long-term productivity and individual health. The recently proposed Health and Work Service promises to provide support for SMEs, but with referral to the service only occurring after four weeks of absence, and a lack of evidence about what advice and guidance would actually be of use to small organisations, there are already doubts as to how well this large part of the workforce will be served.”