According to the CIPD’s chief economist Dr John Philpott, the response from Gordon Brown and Co “marks a watershed in improving the debilitating effect of employee absence to UK businesses” at a time when they need all the help available.
“The enormous cost of sickness absence to the economy needs to be tackled by the Government in collaboration with employers, Human Resources and occupational health and medical professionals,” commented Philpott. “It’s encouraging to see that Dame Carol Black’s recommendations have been generally accepted, and that they’re due for implementation throughout 2009.”
Crying out for support
Philpott went on to tell info4security: “Our research shows that employers are crying out for more support from Government in tackling this problem. We called for an ‘electronic fit note’, helping to switch GP’s focus to what people can do rather than what they cannot, and welcome the prospect of its early implementation as a means to lessening spells of long-term absenteeism.”
Philpott believes that employers will also support the national education programme for GP’s to encourage closer collaboration between businesses and medical practitioners. “This will help individuals with health problems make a phased return to work, either in a less demanding role or on flexible or reduced hours as part of their recovery and rehabilitation. In this respect, the Government’s focus on the problems faced by people with mental health problems in retaining jobs and returning to work after illness is well-guided.”
Support for smaller concerns
From the CIPD’s perspective, greater support for small businesses in managing sickness absence is particularly welcome through the implementation of an occupational health helpline. CIPD research on absence management consistently rates access to occupational health support as the most effective intervention for managing long-term sickness absence.
“Some of the very largest employers have invested in exemplary practices and support to ensure their employees are helped to recover quickly and fully from ill-health,” added Philpott, “but smaller employers cannot possibly afford to replicate such an approach. Therefore, Government support is vital in ensuring work plays a positive part in rehabilitation.”
Philpott concluded: “In all organisations, however, the role of line managers is of critical importance. The CIPD has long highlighted this issue, and is greatly encouraged that the Government’s response to Dame Carol’s recommendation agrees.”
GPs and employers should work in tandem
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development boasts over 130,000 members, and is the leading professional institute for those involved in the management and development of people.
Interestingly, the organisation’s ‘Labour Market Outlook’ survey shows that 80% of employers believe GPs and employers should work together more closely, and that GPs are typically rated negatively by employers for the level of support they provide in helping people return to work.
