Why sickness prevention just became your responsibility

UK employees now take an average of 9.4 sick days a year, the highest level the CIPD has recorded in 15 years. That figure was 7.8 days in 2023 and 5.8 before the pandemic. Mental ill health causes more long-term absences than any other reason, according to 41% of organisations.Typically, figures like these prompt a review of absence policies. However, this time government action has led the way. The Keep Britain Working review shifts employers’ focus from managing absence to actively prev