Britains Work Ethic Remains Healthy

The commissioned survey revealed that over 57 per cent of people went into work despite being unwell in 2008.Mark Wilson, Managing Director of Sharp Consultancy said: “The research is really encouraging and couldn’t come at a better time to boost businesses morale. It is believed that on average the bogus sick day culture costs the British economy in excess of £16 billion a year, with millions of working days lost. As a consequence this significantly impacts upon our industries and could prove crippling for small businesses and companies within those sectors most affected by the credit crunch.”

Commenting further, Mark says: “The recent extreme weather has exposed the true cost of a missed day at work. With Yorkshirebeing one of the regions most hit by the unprecedented amount of snow and ice, it is reported to have hindered over 6.4 million people from getting into work with an estimated cost of £3 million in lost revenue from just one day.”

Research also shows that in January 2009 alone, 24 per cent of UK workers admitted to battling into work during periods of ill health, with the majority claiming that they didn’t want to let other colleagues or employers down.

Mark commented: “For years Britain’s workforce has been slammed for taking record numbers of sick days, but this research goes some way to undermine that perception and demonstrates the nation’s determination to revive the economy.”

He continues: “The research isn’t necessarily surprising as historically during periods of recession employees don’t take as many days of sick leave and productivity invariably rises as a consequence. Nevertheless, the strength of Britain’s workforce will almost certainly be a vital element in rebuilding the economy, therefore it’s crucial we recognise this.”