NEARLY one in four employers in the region has seen an increase in staff sickness absence, according to a new survey.

Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to ask employers in September if they had seen any changes to the number of employees being off sick compared to 12 months ago.

The poll found that for Yorkshire and the Humber, 24 per cent of employers had seen an increase in sickness absence and nine per cent had seen a decrease.

Over one-half said the number of staff taking sickness absence had stayed roughly the same.

Acas Yorkshire and Humber director John Jeffers said: “Yorkshire and Humber businesses are seeing an increase in the number of employees absent through sickness, and they may be impacted by increases in flu or COVID cases, or the effects of Long Covid.

“When employees are unwell, it is important that businesses have a clear absence policy to reassure them about their rights and to ensure the business stays on an even keel.

“Effective handling of sickness absences at work can also provide clarity for employers and employees and help avoid potential disputes.”

Acas advises that employers should have an absence policy in place that is clear about what is expected if staff need time off work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720403052 or call us on 01274 705292.