The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has announced the launch of a new online facility designed to help businesses cope with workplace absenteeism, in light of growing concerns over the difficulties posed by frequent staff absences.
The package covers a range of issues including unplanned/unauthorised absence; handling a long-term absence; developing an absence policy and procedures; recognising patterns of absence; handling frequent and persistent absenteeism.
It is hoped that the package will help employers to deal with absences fairly and legally, without risk of provoking employee grievances.
"Acas believes that prevention is better than cure, which is why our good practice guidance helps thousands of businesses stay out of employment tribunals each year," stated Rita Donaghy, Acas chair.
"Our good practice guidance helps employers keep up to date with employment law and have the right procedures in place to deal with problems promptly."
Figures indicate that in 2003 the cost of absenteeism to UK firms totalled £11.6 billion in tandem with 176 million lost working days.
This year a number of UK councils have introduced measures to help stem absenteeism following reports that on average, public sector workers take two days extra sick each year than their private sector counterparts.
Initiative include a call-centre initiative introduced by York council, whereby a team of nurses vets all sick calls, questioning reasons for absence and suggesting appropriate treatment.
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