One in three manufacturing firms in the UK believe that long-term sickness absence is on the rise, according to the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).
Figures from the employers' body suggest that sick leave accounts for 80 per cent of time lost from work. Yet many firms feel ill-equipped to help staff with long-term illnesses back into the workplace.
In response to the problem, the EEF has published ‘Fit for Work’, a guide to assist firms maximise employee attendance, cut the risk of legal action and better manage the return of long-term absent staff.
Written by legal and occupational health experts, the guide outlines six steps employers can take to ensure good attendance and improved health and safety and is available from www.eef.org.uk
