‘Fit Notes’: Arthritis Ireland on RTE News

June 2nd, 2010

Arthritis Ireland and MEP Jim Higgins recently called on the Government for a more holistic approach to tackling absenteeism in the workplace due to musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), and for investigations to establish a National Framework on MSDs and Absenteeism.

Jim Higgins was speaking about a pan -European study entitled ‘Fit for Work’, which was launched at the European Parliament in Brussels last September. The report, which will be presented before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment later this afternoon, highlighted that Ireland spends more per capita (40.9%) on sickness and healthcare benefits than all other 24 countries featured in the report.

Speaking at the event in Dublin today, Jim Higgins MEP expressed his concern at the need to address the issue head on and in a collective way. ‘This is more than just a health issue’, said Mr Higgins.  ‘The economy is facing a tough road ahead and we have no choice but to make sure we are making the most of the resources that we have. The good health of our workers will be a key component in the recovery.’

The intensification of work, an ageing population and rising rates of obesity are all risk factors for MSDs in the working age population for at least the next 20 years, according to the report. The report found that 100 million Europeans suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain with up to 40% having to give up work due to their condition.

The pan-European report suggests that early detection of, and intervention in MSDs ultimately reduces the burden on governments’ health and disability budgets, and measurably improves the lives of Irish citizens – and employees’ performance. ‘Early intervention and access to the right kind of treatments are crucial’, said Prof Geraldine McCarthy Consultant Rheumatologist, commenting on the report.

‘Evidence shows that work is generally good for your health and that going back to work can actually benefit both physically and psychologically,’ said John Church, CEO of Arthritis Ireland, who are working in partnership on the project. ‘Recent developments in the UK are hugely encouraging and the replacement of the ‘sick note’ with the ‘fit note’ means that people can avoid the risk of isolation, loss of confidence, de-skilling that often come with long- term absences from the workplace.’

Also commenting on the report, Stephen Bevan, Managing Director of The Work Foundation said, “The report is particularly pertinent in the current economic climate. It is valuable and robust evidence of what the key issues are in terms of health across Europe and we should put this evidence to work. I would encourage policy makers and employers to come together and focus on how we can implement changes to look after the precious resource that is our workforce”.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 at 1:07 pm |

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