Sickness absence affects every organisation, big or small. The CBI estimates that it costs each and every organisation £400 per employee per annum. As well as this, absence is disruptive – few organisations these days run with spare capacity, so that the work not performed because of absence has to be done elsewhere.

We strongly believe that time and effort spent on managing sickness absence correctly can reap dividends in the long term.

Good practice requires companies to make a full assessment of an individual’s sickness absence and make reasonable adjustments to help that person overcome the difficulties they may face in attending work efficiently and effectively. Meetings with the individual, discussions and perhaps obtaining the advice and opinion of a medical adviser are all essential to building the bigger picture. Having obtained this information, a plan of action can be agreed with the individual aimed at helping them to return/remain at work healthily and productively.

Caritas can help your company and the individual by correctly identifying the cause of sickness absence and possible solutions – please contact us for further information.