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New qualification to tackle UK's 'biggest productivity problem'
Published:  12 July, 2010

NEBOSH launches Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work

A new management qualification has been launched to help tackle the UK's 'biggest productivity problem' - the health and well-being of Britain's workforce.

The Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work

qualification from NEBOSH is the first of its kind. The Certificate is designed to give managers from all types of organisations the skills and know-how to promote a healthier workplace.

Over 175 million working days are lost due to sickness absence each year in Britain. Absence through ill-health is not the only issue. Presenteeism - where people carry on working despite illness - can be even more costly in terms of lost productivity.

"People who are unwell either don't perform at their best, or don't turn up for work at all”, said Teresa Budworth, chief executive at NEBOSH. "Issues like stress, allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure and back-pain all have a huge impact on UK employers. Overall, poor health and well-being is arguably the UK's biggest productivity problem.

"Industrial disputes mean that around 700,000 working days are lost each year in Britain. Over 11 million working days are lost to work-related stress, depression and anxiety alone."

Budworth went on to say that studies had shown how healthy workers can be almost three times more productive than their unhealthy colleagues: "There is a very strong business case for tackling ill-health at work, but often managers are unsure about how to deal with the problem." she added: "Our new course will give HR managers, line managers and supervisors the skills they need, as well as a recognised qualification."

Dame Carol Black, who published a major review of the health of Britain's working population in 2008, welcomed the new NEBOSH qualification.

She said: "Staff with the skills and competencies signified by NEBOSH's new Health and Well-being qualification should be highly valued by employers and employees alike."

More information about the Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work qualification can be found on the NEBOSH website at www.neboshhealthandwellbeing.org.uk