Continued increase in the sickness absence

The sickness absence rose from 7.1 to 7.6 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the fourth quarter of 2009; an increase of 7.4 percent.

The sickness absence for men rose from 5.6 to 6.1 percent, and for women from 8.8 to 9.4 percent, from the fourth quarter for 2008 to the fourth quarter for 2009; a growth of 7.7 and 7.1 percent respectively.

The self-certified sickness absence rose from 1.1 to 1.2 percent, while the doctor-certified absence rose from 6 to 6.4 percent; an increase of 12.7 and 6.4 percent respectively.

The sickness absence in the fourth quarter of 2009 was almost on the same level as in the fourth quarter of 2001; the year of implementation of the agreement on an inclusive labor market.

Increase in all industries

All industries faced rising sickness absence from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the fourth quarter of 2009.

Amongst the major industries, the increase in sickness absence was greatest in Information and communication, with 13.8 per cent, and Real estate activities and professional, scientific and technical activities, with 12.6 percent.

The sickness absence in Human health and social work activities increased by 4.1 percent. However, this is below the average growth of 7.4 percent in all industries.

Strongest rise in private sector

The sickness absence in the private sector increased from 6.7 to 7.2 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the fourth quarter of 2009; an increase of 7.9 percent. In central government (including health enterprises) and local government the growth was 5 and 6.6 percent respectively.

The sickness absence level was lowest in central government, with 7.1 percent, and highest in local government, with 9.3 percent.

Reduced sickness absence among the youngest men

Men in the age groups below 25 years had a decrease in the doctor-certified sickness absence with 1.7 percent. Men had the strongest increase in the age groups 35-49 years. The sickness absence for women increased in all age groups. For women, the strongest rise was in the age groups 40-49 years and the lowest rise was in the age groups over 60 years.

These results are based on data on sickness absence certified by a doctor, as the survey on self-certified absence does not contain data on sickness absence by age.

Source: Statistics Norway