Recent data reveals the NHS’s sickness absence rate is at its lowest in five years, according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).
- Sick days in the NHS dropped from 15.52 days in 2012/13 to 14.82 days in 2013/14.
- Nurses, midwives, and health visitors recorded the lowest absence rates; ambulance staff saw the highest.
- The NHS’s absence rate, though reduced, remains higher than the UK average across all sectors.
- New online tools and management strategies are credited with aiding the reduction.
Recent figures published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) indicate a notable decline in sickness absence rates within the NHS, marking the lowest level observed in the past five years. Sick days taken throughout the health service have reduced from an annual average of 15.52 days in 2012/13 to 14.82 days in 2013/14, representing a decrease in the absence rate from 4.24% to 4.06%. This decline is significant in the context of efforts to improve staff well-being and operational efficiency.
Despite the overall improvement, a disparity in absence rates among various roles within the NHS is evident. Nurses, midwives, and health visiting learners exhibited the lowest absence rate at 1.1%, contrasting sharply with first responders in the ambulance service, who recorded a rate of 6.78% for the period spanning January to March 2014. This variance underscores the diverse challenges and work environments faced by different NHS employees.
Geographical disparities also characterise the sickness absence landscape across NHS facilities. Health workers in the North West of England recorded the highest absenteeism rate at 4.6%, while those based in North Central and East London experienced the lowest at 3.36%. Such variations suggest regional factors may play a role in influencing employee health and absence rates.
HSCIC has advised caution in making direct comparisons with other sectors, highlighting that the nature of NHS work often involves exposure to infectious conditions and high-pressure situations. As such, the NHS’s average absence rate remains higher than the broader UK workforce, which averages 4.4 days per worker annually. This context is critical in understanding the unique challenges faced by the NHS.
A significant factor contributing to the observed reduction in sick days is the introduction of an online tool aimed at improving absence management within the NHS. The tool provides comprehensive guidance for handling staff illnesses, offering advice on common reasons for absence and management strategies. Sue Covill, director of employment services at NHS Employers, stressed the importance of appropriate management responses to absenteeism in bolstering staff morale and performance.
Adrian Lewis of Activ Absence echoed these sentiments, emphasising the positive impact of effective management practices on reducing sick days, even amidst the challenging conditions healthcare professionals encounter. “It’s really great to see that better management can have a tangible impact on sick days,” he stated. This perspective aligns with broader observations in the private sector, where structured absence management has similarly yielded positive outcomes.
The recent decline in NHS sickness absence rates is a testament to improved management and targeted strategies, despite ongoing sector-specific challenges.
