Stress is most common cause of sickness absence

Stress is still the most common cause of long-term sickness absence among non-manual workers, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The survey, published in July, says absence rates are higher among public sector employees (10 and a half days a year) than private sector workers (seven days). Almost 60% of public sector organisations cite stress as the leading cause of long-term sickness absence, more than double the number in the private sector.

While stress is the common cause of long-term absence among non-manual workers, back pain is the most common cause among manual workers.

The continuing prominence of stress was highlighted in August when the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued an enforcement notice at Dorset county hospital in Dorchester. The notice, the first of its kind issued for work-related stress, requires management to carry out a risk assessment and implement control measures.

The notice came as an embarrassment to the hospital, which is applying for foundation status, and was recently awarded three stars in the government's performance tables, making it one of the best for NHS patient care.

The HSE investigated after staff complained of bullying and unbearable hours. Inspectors found management did not have procedures to assess the risk of stress to fulfil the duty of care to employees.

Employee absence 2003: a survey of management policy and practice can be obtained from www.cipd.co.uk or by phoning 020 8263 3240.