Mental health problems have become the number one reason for long-term sickness absence, according to a new survey by UnumProvident.
Latest findings from the protection provider revealed that anxiety and stress are the most common cause of long-term sickness absence. This is closely followed by depression.
Overall, subjective illnesses such as back pain, headaches, fatigue, chest pains, stomach complaints and mental health problems are on the rise in the UK. The research showed that over the past five years, more than 600,000 people may have been off work for more than a year because of these common health complaints. Another 500,000 may also have been absent between six months and up to a year due to these illnesses.
Predictions from the insurer reveal that in 2004, approximately 122,000 people will have been off work for more than 12 months as a direct result of a subjective illness.
"These findings corroborate the shocking and so far unexplained increase in sickness absence due to mental health problems," said Dr Michael O'Donnell, chief medical officer at UnumProvident.
"Long-term sickness absence is a growing problem for individuals, employers and the State. With a greater focus on understanding the reasons for this and what needs to be done to help with rehabilitation, the number of people off work for these long periods of time could be dramatically reduced," he concluded.
