Legal Insight: Health matters part 2 – Dealing with ‘problem absences’
Managing persistent short-term absence requires clear sickness policies, accurate record-keeping, and identifying patterns across your business. Understanding the causes—such as stress, poor management, or workplace issues—enables you to address problems proactively rather than reactively.
Ask the Expert: Should car allowances be included in sick pay?
When an employee on long-term sick leave receives a regular cash car allowance, whether it continues during illness depends on the employment contract terms and company sick pay policy. Legal entitlement differs from statutory requirements, and disability protections under the Equality Act may apply.
Case Study: Kent Fire and Rescue optimises staffing with time and attendance system
Kent Fire and Rescue Service implemented a Kronos time and attendance system to optimize scheduling across its 1,700 staff and 66 fire stations. The system automatically matches firefighter availability and skills to shift requirements, alerts managers to absences, and integrates with mobilizing systems to ensure adequate crew coverage during peak periods.
Mental ill-health issues cost employers £30 billion per year
Mental ill-health costs UK employers £30 billion annually in lost productivity, with half from worker absences totaling 91 million days. The Centre for Mental Health reports the remainder stems from presenteeism, when ill employees work below capacity. New guidance from Acas and Workways helps employers support staff and create psychologically supportive workplaces.
Blog: How to hold on to good employees – Part 1
Learn the five main reasons employees leave their jobs—from poor company culture and lack of recognition to insufficient support and limited growth opportunities. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective retention strategies.
Blog: What economic impact is ‘gross national happiness’ likely to have?
A UN conference on happiness and wellbeing concluded that economic growth alone doesn’t guarantee increased national happiness. The report identifies four independent factors—community trust, mental and physical health, quality governance, and rule of law—as equally important drivers of well-being alongside financial wealth.
Legal Insight: Health matters part 1 – Managing sickness absence
Effective sickness absence management can significantly reduce costs while retaining staff. Well-drafted policies and clear procedures help set attendance standards, improve employee accountability, and can deliver substantial savings—one major manufacturer cut absences by 15% and saved £11 million after initial investment.
In a Nutshell: Seven tips for managing stress-related illness
Discover seven practical strategies for managing stress-related illness in the workplace, from giving genuine positive feedback to staff and preventing long hours culture to ensuring regular breaks and communicating effectively with employees.
Mini workers threaten strikes after claims of being denied loo breaks
Mini workers at BMW’s Oxford plant are threatening their first strike in 30 years after rejecting a pay deal by 97%, citing disputes over the actual percentage increase and claims they must ask permission to use toilets during shifts.
Blog: Attendance bonus schemes – money wasted or money well spent?
Employee absenteeism costs UK businesses £32 billion annually, prompting many companies to implement attendance bonus schemes. These incentive programs reward reliable employees while discouraging unscheduled absences, though effectiveness depends on proper management and clear performance expectations.
NHS Academy set up to train next generation of leaders
The NHS Leadership Academy has been established to train leaders across the NHS, public health, and social care to improve patient outcomes. The national centre will develop doctors, nurses, health professionals, and managers to create engaged teams that positively impact patient care and health results.
Do UK workers get too many bank holidays?
UK bank holidays cost the economy billions annually, with the Centre for Economics and Business Research estimating £19 billion across all eight breaks. However, economists debate whether reducing them is worthwhile, noting that fewer working hours than international peers and social factors complicate the purely economic argument.
A day in the life of…an HR professional
UK HR professionals work longer hours than two decades ago, arriving at 8:07am and leaving at 5:05pm. They spend most of their day at desks handling 45 calls and 62 emails, taking shortened lunch breaks of under 30 minutes, yet report higher job satisfaction than the average worker at 59%.
Most employers believe fit notes don’t work, studies reveal
Two studies reveal that most employers doubt fit notes effectively reduce sickness absence. While the CIPP poll found nine in ten employers question their effectiveness, research suggests the problem may lie with GPs providing inadequate information rather than the notes themselves.
Blog: Growing your brain with the help of a ‘little online learning video’
The Little Online Learning Video (LOL_V) project is a library of short, engaging learning videos designed to help grow your brain. Based on neuroscience showing that mental exercise strengthens cognition like physical exercise, the platform invites trainers and learners to contribute and share innovative, helpful, or entertaining learning moments.
British Safety Council to unveil first workplace health manifesto in April
The British Safety Council will unveil its first workplace health and safety manifesto on April 23, focusing on reducing risk, strengthening leadership, and boosting worker engagement. The ‘Working Well’ proposal emphasizes that effective risk management, not legislation alone, is essential to prevent workplace injuries and illness.
Blog: The high cost of presenteeism
Presenteeism—employees working while unwell or distracted—costs UK employers up to three times more than absenteeism, potentially reaching £2 million annually for a 600-person company. Poor employee health accounts for over a quarter reduction in productivity, creating risks including workplace accidents, errors, and disease transmission.
Talking Point: Do you really know how to get the best out of your older workers?
Older workers face identity challenges in today’s workplace due to age stereotypes, career plateaus, and rapid technological change. Understanding their unique perspectives and needs is essential for managers to unlock their experience and value.
Blog: How to grow your brain in 30 days
Discover how to stimulate your brain’s growth in just 30 days through scientifically-backed habits like aerobic exercise, eating dark berries, reducing caffeine, and continuous learning. These simple changes trigger neurogenesis, helping you learn faster, retain information better, and protect against cognitive decline.
Legal Insight: Staff health and wellbeing – Your duty of care
Employers have a legal duty of care to support staff health and wellbeing through workplace initiatives, fair employment terms, stress management, and preventive programs. Comprehensive wellbeing strategies boost employee performance and retention while demonstrating organizational commitment to mental and physical health.
