According to figures from the National Insurance Administration (Rikstrygdeverket), sickness absence reached unprecedented levels in Norway in the first six months of 2000. The number of days of sickness absence compensated by the national insurance scheme increased by 13.7% in the first six months of 2000, compared with the same period in 1999. The total cost of sickness benefits paid by the scheme was approximately NOK 10.5 billion in the first half of 2000. The average level of sickness absence per employee was 6.7 days - 8.3 days for women and 5.2 days for men - compared with 5.9 days in the same period in 1999. The national insurance figures refer to long-term sickness absence of more than 16 days, but statistics on short-term absence from the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (Næringslivets Hovedorganisasjon, NHO) also show similar increases.
Recent figures from the National Insurance Administration show that the level of sickness absence in Norway reached a new high in the first half of 2000. A public committee considering possible measures to reduce sickness absence is due to publish its report on 15 September 2000, and its findings are expected to stir up controversy among the social partners.
According to figures from the National Insurance Administration (Rikstrygdeverket), sickness absence reached unprecedented levels in Norway in the first six months of 2000. The number of days of sickness absence compensated by the national insurance scheme increased by 13.7% in the first six months of 2000, compared with the same period in 1999. The total cost of sickness benefits paid by the scheme was approximately NOK 10.5 billion in the first half of 2000. The average level of sickness absence per employee was 6.7 days - 8.3 days for women and 5.2 days for men - compared with 5.9 days in the same period in 1999. The national insurance figures refer to long-term sickness absence of more than 16 days, but statistics on short-term absence from the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (Næringslivets Hovedorganisasjon, NHO) also show similar increases.
Since 1995, there has been a steady increase in the sickness absence rate in Norway (NO9807176F), which must be seen in the light of a relatively high employment rate, with broad participation from most age groups in working life. Furthermore, the Norwegian sick pay scheme is regarded as very generous, with full wage compensation for employees during sickness absence. The first 16 days of sickness are paid for by the employer, and after that compensation is paid by the national insurance scheme. The director general of NHO, Finn Bergesen Jr, argues that the increases in absence rates witnessed in recent years are intolerable, because they represent significant numbers of working days lost. The problem is felt especially sharply in the present tight labour market, and as such it will have severe consequences for the Norwegian economy, national welfare arrangements and business activity in the years to come.
A public committee, chaired by Matz Sandmann, was set up in 1999 by the previous centre government to consider possible measures to reduce sickness absence, and its report is to be made public on 15 September 2000. Media speculations already suggest that the committee will propose reducing compensation paid for by the employer to 80% of pay during the first 15 days of sickness. Leading figures in the trade union movement have warned against cuts in wage compensation, and such a move will beyond doubt be met with significant opposition.
Eurofound recommends citing this publication in the following way.
Eurofound (2000), Sickness absence continues to rise, article.
