Search

Focuses on the legal implications of dismissing employees who are absent with long-term medical conditions for employers. Potentially fair reasons for dismissal according to Great Britain's Employment Rights Act of 1996; Procedural requirements that need to be fulfilled by employers when dismissing employees; Need for the employer to obtain appropriate medical evidence when dismissing employees due to absence.

The article describes the cases of two large but contrasting organisations which show how partnerships with external providers can help manage employee absences by developing a more proactive occupational health (OH) service and improving communication between OH managers and staff. At Lancashire County Council in England, all cases are seen within 10 days of referral, and reports are completed and returned on the day of the appointment.

Suggests ways to limit the effects in the workplace of excessive drinking. Role of a licensing law that allows drinking establishments to remain open for 24 hours in the increased alcohol-related absences and reduced labor productivity in Great Britain; Influence of longer drinking hours on the increase in health and safety risks in the workplace; Factors that need to be considered by employers in taking actions against employee alcoholism; Significance of the promotion of education about the effects of alcohol on health.

The author contends that trade unions in Great Britain are unhelpful in the workplace. The author complaints the challenges faced by occupational health practitioners in dealing with employees filing sick leave. The author laments that occupational health nurses are used to the collusion between trade unions and persistent sick-note offenders.

The article reports on the results of separate studies which revealed that binge and over-drinking among employees are largely caused by stress and pressure at work conducted in Great Britain. One out of six workers admitted to be under the influence of alcohol at work. A poll reported that almost a quarter of British workers cited that they sometimes drink in order to get drunk. A study by vitamin supplement company Wellman found that one out of three in British men resorted to drinking for relaxation.

Reports on the result of a survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development on the increase in stress-related absence of employees in Great Britain in 2003. Action taken by general practitioners regarding the issue; Causes of long-term absence for manual workers.

Focuses on a research conducted on the absenteeism of manufacturing employees, published by the "IRS Employment Review" and the European Educational Forum (EEF). Percentage of total time lost from work due to long-term absence; Fraction of British manufacturing companies engaged in programmes to improve their long-term absence management; Opinion of manufacturers on the services offered by the National Health Service and general practitioners; Comment from EEF chief medical adviser Sayeed Khan.

Focuses on the findings of a study on employee absence management in Great Britain. Problems associated with absenteeism; Challenges posed by absenteeism to human resource management.

Analyzes the cost of employee absenteeism due to sickness in Great Britain in 2002. Prevalence of absences due to sickness; Number of working days lost to sickness absence; Average days of absenteeism.