Why 14.2 Billion Pounds Is a Fine for UK Absenteeism (and How to Keep It Going)
Last year, the Health & Safety Executive nailed down a staggering figure: UK businesses lost £14.2 billion because employees were out of the office. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Fortunately, a seasoned business adviser, Jo Bostock from the Forum of Private Business, has some practical tips to curb the “sickie season” havoc.
Top‑Notch Tips for Tackling Absences this Autumn
- Plan Ahead
Line managers should start prepping before the dreaded period kicks in. Draft or tweak your rules, and get ready with a solid tracking system—think of the Bradford Factor as your early warning radar. But make sure those protocols are formally in place and updated; if someone forgets to report, you’ll know how to act. - Keep Crystal‑Clear Records
Track every day someone’s off or late. Use a simple database or spreadsheet that lets you slice and dice the data. Spotting a workload star who’s been sick 10 times a month becomes a breeze. From there, you can figure out whether it’s a medical issue, a work‑pressure problem, or just a flaky schedule. - Differentiate Types of Absence
- Short‑Term Absences – quick hiccups; a day or two off for a cold or flu.
- Long‑Term Absences – a real injury or chronic illness that sidelines an employee for weeks.
- Unauthorised Absences – when someone forgets to give a heads‑up on a sick day. This can be a major sniff‑in‑the‑vs‑no‑time.
- Know Your Sickness‑Pay Rules
Your employees aren’t wired for payment during unauthorised absenteeism or tardiness. However, if they’re legitimately unwell for four continuous days (the “Period of Incapacity to Work” or PIW), they’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or any extra company pay you offer. Remember:- SSP kicks in after the first three waiting days
- Weekend and bank holidays count if they normally work those days
- ETC 28‑week cap for an uninterrupted PIW
- Tax and National Insurance still apply
- Remind About Annual Leave
New year – best time to “nudge” staff about holiday balances. If someone has a huge stash left, encourage them to book. A contract clause covering “use‑or‑lose” can keep everyone honest. - Flexibility = Lower Absenteeism
If the situation allows, let folks work from home when they’re feeling under the weather. A quick remote session can keep the workflow going and dodge workplace contagion. - When in Doubt, Seek Expert Advice
If confusion lingers, the Forum of Private Business can help. Visit their site for deeper guidance on sickness‑absence management.
Remember: keeping a tidy record for at least three years is a legal must. So don’t leave those documents to the dustbin of past years.
Take these quick wins, and watch that £14.2 billion number shrink—both in head‑count and in cash flow.