Autumn Statement: Public sector sickness absence review announced

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The government is to conduct a review into sickness absence in the public sector.

The Autumn Statement document stated the government would also consult on how to reduce the sector's impact on public service delivery, adding it would consider legislation "where necessary".

Public sector sick pay costs an estimated £4.5bn annually, according to the report.

Furthermore, the document stated: "It is right that the government review show the current systems for managing and compensating for sickness are working and looks at what reforms might be needed to move to a more modern and productive state.

"As part of this, the government will consult on further cross-public sector action on exit payment terms, to reduce the costs of redundancy pay outs and ensure greater consistency between workforces."

NHS England had launched a £5m initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of 1.3 million health service workers and cut the £2.4bn cost of staff absence in the service.

 

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