22.07.15
NHS sickness absence rate increases
Sickness absence rates in the NHS rose over the past year. In January-March 2015, the sickness absence rate in England was 4.44%; a significant proportional increase compared to the same period in 2014 (4.26%)
The latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) revealed, however, that the figure was down from the 4.56% recorded in October-December 2014.
The latest statistics are an unwelcome reverse from this time last year when it was announced that sickness absence rates in the NHS were at their lowest point since 2009-10.
During the quarter, ambulance staff had the highest average sickness absence rate with an average of 6.78%. ‘Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Learners’ had the lowest average at 1.22%.