Working through illness harms people and output

Over half of people living in Britain are so scared of losing their job in the current climate that they are risking their health by working through illness, according to a new survey by a private healthcare provider.

Simplyhealth’s Bothered Britain Report revealed that 43% of workers haven’t taken any days off in the last 12 months, up 20% from 2008. Over one in five (22%) workers felt they were not believed when calling in sick, unless their illness had been witnessed by their employer.

Raman Sankaran from Simplyhealth said: “Today’s competitive and pressured working environment means that some people find it difficult to speak up about an illness or take time off. However, employees should not be made to feel that they have to put their health at risk to save their job. A healthy employee is a more productive employee, and it’s important that companies do everything they can to help support employees to good health.”

Workers in Newcastle were the most concerned about their jobs, with almost three quarters (71%) admitting they are so concerned about job security, they are less likely to take time off sick, while over half (57%) have not taken any days off in the last 12 months.

Those working in the retail, leisure and catering industries appeared to be under the most pressure, with more than half (58%) not taking any sick days in the last year.