Menu
03/12/2001
“Sign Off” culture rampant among UK doctors
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has accused the UK healthcare system of unnecessarily extending sickness absence by workers.
The CBI claims that a "sign-off" culture among UK doctors has boosted the cost of sickness absence borne by employers to £23 billion a year, and around 200 million lost working days a year. While the direct cost to business runs to over £11 billion-a-year, the CBI said that sick pay and welfare payments boosted this total to £23 billion.
In countering these figures, the CBI has called for greater use of private healthcare, arguing that this would make the health system more closely attuned to the needs of business.
With one in four employers failing to keep records of absence, businesses could also do more to speed up employees' return to work, the organisation said. (MB)
The CBI claims that a "sign-off" culture among UK doctors has boosted the cost of sickness absence borne by employers to £23 billion a year, and around 200 million lost working days a year. While the direct cost to business runs to over £11 billion-a-year, the CBI said that sick pay and welfare payments boosted this total to £23 billion.
In countering these figures, the CBI has called for greater use of private healthcare, arguing that this would make the health system more closely attuned to the needs of business.
With one in four employers failing to keep records of absence, businesses could also do more to speed up employees' return to work, the organisation said. (MB)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 October 2001
UK employers hit by hidden costs of sickness absence
Absence from work is costing UK companies up to 16 per cent of their annual salary bill - yet half of these costs could be avoided. This is the key finding of a new report commissioned by Unum, the UK’s leading provider of income protection.
UK employers hit by hidden costs of sickness absence
Absence from work is costing UK companies up to 16 per cent of their annual salary bill - yet half of these costs could be avoided. This is the key finding of a new report commissioned by Unum, the UK’s leading provider of income protection.
29 July 2002
Stress is a leading cause of long-term absence
Employees take an average of 10 days off sick each year, according to Employee Absence 2002, published today by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). While Northern Ireland remains at the bottom of the sick-day league, the latest survey shows a slight increase, from the reported 9.3 working days lost, in last year’s study.
Stress is a leading cause of long-term absence
Employees take an average of 10 days off sick each year, according to Employee Absence 2002, published today by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). While Northern Ireland remains at the bottom of the sick-day league, the latest survey shows a slight increase, from the reported 9.3 working days lost, in last year’s study.
13 March 2006
CBI warns Brown of UK tax burden
The CBI has hit out at what it has labelled "stealth taxes" disguised as a 'tax avoidance' crackdown on businesses. The CBI warned today that the UK is losing its competitiveness as it slips down the international tax table, and that rising Government levies are stifling business investment.
CBI warns Brown of UK tax burden
The CBI has hit out at what it has labelled "stealth taxes" disguised as a 'tax avoidance' crackdown on businesses. The CBI warned today that the UK is losing its competitiveness as it slips down the international tax table, and that rising Government levies are stifling business investment.
08 July 2009
All-Ireland Business Plan Launched
A cross-border partnership has launched a plan to work together on commerce and business development. A party of business leaders on both sides of the border put improving infrastructure, skills and innovation at the heart of their four-year action plan.
All-Ireland Business Plan Launched
A cross-border partnership has launched a plan to work together on commerce and business development. A party of business leaders on both sides of the border put improving infrastructure, skills and innovation at the heart of their four-year action plan.
22 May 2019
CBI Urge Politicians To 'Resolve Brexit Gridlock'
A business leader has issued a plea to resolve the current Brexit deadlock and prevent any further damage to the UK economy. President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) John Allan is planning to use his address at the annual CBI dinner to highlight Brexit as a major threat to the essential partnership between business and government.
CBI Urge Politicians To 'Resolve Brexit Gridlock'
A business leader has issued a plea to resolve the current Brexit deadlock and prevent any further damage to the UK economy. President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) John Allan is planning to use his address at the annual CBI dinner to highlight Brexit as a major threat to the essential partnership between business and government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
