Employee absences increased by 18 per cent to an estimated 1.6 million between Jan 3 and 9 compared to the same period last year, according to GoodShape, which tracks work-related illness and well-being at British employers.
GoodShape combined its data with official population and wage statistics to extrapolate nationwide figures, estimating that last week's wave of absences cost Britain 1.3 billion pounds . The current situation is"risking patient safety, quality of care and staff health and well-being", said Mr Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, an association that represents hospital trusts across the country.
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