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Press release: NHS Employers responds to Alan Johnson's speech on workplace health20 Feb 2008 Julian Topping, Head of Workplace Health and Regulation at NHS Employers, which represents trusts in England on workforce issues, said: "As the employer of the largest workforce in Europe, the NHS places a priority on the health and wellbeing of its staff. Employers recognise the significant benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment for their staff, not only in terms of being an attractive and rewarding employer but also in terms of enabling them to deliver high quality care to their patients. "There is no doubt that more can be done to promote the health and wellbeing of NHS staff in the workplace. The annual staff survey helps employers to identify particular issues which might develop into a health problem such as heavy workloads, stress or bullying. We have recently run campaigns to help employers identify and manage staff who are suffering from stress and the health issues associated with bullying and harassment. "Tackling sickness absence is an issue for the NHS as it is for many employers and we welcome any initiatives that help people get back to work quickly. All the evidence shows that work is good for you and the sick get better faster if they can be in work. Employers need to play a major role in helping staff back to work as quickly and easily as possible. "We are currently leading a review of sickness absence and ill-health retirement arrangements in the NHS in partnership with the NHS trade unions. This review will help employers support staff through sickness, get them back to work quickly, find other opportunities for them or retire them on the grounds of ill health if necessary. We expect that the new arrangements will come into effect from 1 April. We also represent NHS organisations as part of the Department of Work and Pensions' Health, Work and Wellbeing initiative. Notes for editorsThe Returning to Work, Working Longer, Working Healthier in the NHS framework can be found at http://www.nhsemployers.org/practice/practice-1397.cfm Further information on the NHS Ill Health Retirement Review can be found at http://www.nhsemployers.org/pay-conditions/pay-conditions-502.cfm Information on the NHS Injury Benefit Review can be found at http://www.nhsemployers.org/pay-conditions/pay-conditions-3225.cfm
Contact detailsThe press office provides a comprehensive service to keep journalists informed about the work of NHS Employers. If you have a media enquiry, please contact the press office team:
For out of hours media enquiries, please contact the duty press officer on 07880 500726. Last reviewed 20 Feb 2008 |
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