13th October 2011 ‘Plan ahead or face staffing crises’ warns absence management specialist as non-medical absence rises

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Employers failing to plan ahead could face a perfect storm of staff absence, as new figures from absence management specialist FirstCare has shown that instances of non-medical absence are likely to increase by more than 250 percent as the UK prepares for deteriorating weather conditions.

 

Analysis of data by FirstCare has found that the numbers of non-medical absence in winter 2010/11 were more than four times higher than during the summer months – sparking concerns that, following predictions of an early and cold winter, the expected adverse weather and increasing demands on staff to care for family members could leave employers facing gaping shortages in their workforces.

 

FirstCare has also claimed that the problem of non-medical absence could be even more keenly felt, with a majority of cases not being recorded by employers.  From its analysis, FirstCare has identified that the most common causes of non-medical absence during the winter of 2011/12 will be Care of a Dependant (40 percent of all non-medical in 2010/11), Adverse Weather (21 percent of non-medical absence in 2010/11), and Bereavement (10 percent of non-medical absence in 2010/11).

 

James Arquette, Operations Director for FirstCare, said:

 

“This could be a difficult winter for businesses, and I would fully anticipate that we will see a further increase in the number of non-medical absences following last year.

 

“With the weather rapidly deteriorating, it’s only a matter of time before employees begin facing difficulties including transport problems or having to look after family members who are either ill or themselves unable to get to school or work.  This is effectively the start of a series of events, including the Olympics, that will leave business facing increases levels of non-medical absence.  Employers will need to give serious thought to what they can to mitigate the impacts of these absences.”

 

FirstCare has suggested that businesses should consider:

 

• Facilitating homeworking for staff to mitigate the impact of adverse weather and transport problems
• Incorporating non-medical absence into attendance management policies and procedures.
• Implementing new absence triggers, such as three non-medical absences in a three month period.
• Having approach to care of a dependant needs and look for opportunities to offer flexible working hours during the winter months.