Government to review sickness absence in public-sector as sick pay estimated to cost £4.5 billion a year

While not officially announced by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement in Parliament, the Spending Review and Autumn Statement 2015 document at paragraph 1.294 states that the Government will review sickness absence in public sector workforces before consulting on how to reduce its impact on public service delivery, and considering legislation where necessary.

While not officially announced by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement in Parliament, the Spending Review and Autumn Statement 2015 document at paragraph 1.294 states that the Government will review sickness absence in public sector workforces before consulting on how to reduce its impact on public service delivery, and considering legislation where necessary. The Government highlights that public sector sick pay has been estimated to cost around £4.5 billion a year and terms are more generous than typical private sector arrangements. The Government therefore believes it is right that it reviews how the current systems for managing and compensating for sickness are working and looks at what reforms might be needed to move to a more modern and productive state.

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