Sickness Absence and Working Time in the NHS

For NHS organisations, sickness absence is a considerable concern. While employees will, on occasions, be sick, NHS organisations should try to ensure that effective absence management procedures are in place to minimise the impact of sickness within the organisation, while at the same time balancing the need to meet infection control requirements.

This topic examines ways of improving attendance, managing short-term and long-term absence, the impact of the Working Time Directive on NHS employees as well as sick pay entitlements for NHS employees.

• NHS staff are entitled to receive higher rates of payment when absent due to sickness than employees in many other sectors. Sickness Absence Pay in the NHS

• Sickness absence is a key focus of wellbeing strategies in the NHS and is measured regularly and reported upon nationally. The Impact of the Working Time Directive on Healthcare Professionals

• NHS Employers produces regular guidance to employers on ways to support the reduction in sickness absence rates.