Cigna event fuels the UK sickness absence debate

Cigna UK HealthCare Benefits (UKHB) Evening of Work, Health and Performance event got health intermediaries questioning the recommendations coming out of the Sickness Absence Review.
Cigna UKHB brought together an expert panel of speakers including:

• David Frost CBE - co-author of the Sickness Absence Review
• Professor Stephen Bevan - Director, Centre for Workforce Effectiveness at The Work Foundation
• Dr Chris Sharp - Occupational Health Physician
• Cabella Lowe - Professional Head of Physiotherapy at Nuffield Health

While the panel agreed the current UK system for managing sickness absence is not working well, there was less consensus on how to make it work better. Much of the debate centred on the extent to which employers should be focusing on causes rather than symptoms. Best practice examples pointed to the important role line managers can play in helping to remove barriers to being at work.   
James Parker, Managing Director of Cigna UKHB commented:

“Cigna UKHB has invested heavily recently in understanding employers’ objectives in managing employee health and productivity. We recognise the Sickness Absence Review represents a fantastic opportunity for providers and intermediaries alike to offer innovative solutions to employers.”

The panel discussion was followed by a drinks reception and short talk from a sporting celebrity guest John Parrott.