The hidden cost of rising workplace sickness in the UK has risen beyond £100bn a year, chiefly caused by falling productivity amid “staggering” levels of presenteeism, an analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has found.
UK workers are some of the least likely to take sick days, especially compared with other OECD and European countries, experts said, and are more likely to come to work while sick.
Working despite poor health is more common among those from marginalised ethnic groups, people in lower quality jobs and staff lacking formal qualifications.
We would like to hear from UK workers about this. Do you tend to attend work when you are unwell? If so, tell us about why. Is it for financial reasons, or are there other pressures, and if so, what are they? What impact does it have on yourself and your work?
If you’re in a management role, we’d also like your view: is this an issue in your workplace, and if so, is your employer taking action on it?
