New NHS figures show that dental and medical staff, including GPs employed by trusts, are the least likely to be absent from work due to ill health.
According to an NHS Information Centre report, Sickness Absence Rates In The NHS: April – June 2009, the sickness rate for GPs over this period was on average just 1.1%.
The figure does not account for the majority of GPs who work in practices.
Healthcare assistants and other support staff (6.3% in June), ambulance staff (5.8% in June) and nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff (5% in June) accounted for the highest rates.
Figures show the average sickness absence rate over this period to be 4.1%.
Data were last compiled and released in 2006 so the NHS Information Centre states they are not comparable with newer findings. From now on, fresh figures will be released each quarter.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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