Team pushes early action to cut long-term sickness

A team tasked with reducing long-term sickness in Guernsey businesses says early intervention is key, as the island's government works to reduce rates.

The States of Guernsey's dedicated work support team offers advice to people who have been out of work for more than four weeks.

In December, there were 117 employees off work due to long-term sickness.

Aaron Shepherd, the team's case manager said getting help early on can improve someone's chances of recovery and "enable them to gradually re-enter the workforce in a healthy and sustainable manner".

The team can advise on issues including musculoskeletal conditions, treatment for various illnesses, or mental health difficulties.

It has medical professionals to provide appropriate medical and occupational health support to help someone in their recovery.

Deputy Andy Cameron raised concerns in April that increasing staff sickness in Guernsey's civil service was having an impact on morale.

States of Guernsey figures, based on 5,887 staff, show that in 2025 an average of 67,000 sick days were taken compared to 60,000 two years earlier.

The Policy and Resources Committee said extensive support was "available to employees experiencing ill health, with a focus on remaining at, or returning to work".

The States said the new initiative formed a key part of the Committee for Employment & Social Security's Work & Wellbeing Strategy, published in May 2025 which "aimed to promote and maintain a culture of good health and wellbeing in the workplace".

It said the strategy also tied in with the States' wider objectives set out in the Government Work Plan which included growing the bailiwick's economic competitiveness by "increasing workforce participation, and planning for sustainable health and care services by improving long-term health outcomes".

"The longer someone is off work the more complex, costly, and less likely a successful return to employment will become," it said.

Mark Gannon, service lead for benefits and work support at the States, said the goal was "to ensure people get the right support at the right time to help them return to work".

"By taking a personalised approach, and working in partnership with employers and primary care, we can achieve better outcomes for individuals," he said.

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