Lost working hours from medical appointments could cost economy more than £10bn per year, survey claims

Medical appointments could be costing the UK economy more than £10bn in lost working hours each year, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 working British adults found an average of four days’ work a year are missed due to seeking medical advice.

Based on the average wage of those in full-time work, this missed time equates to £437.76 per person, per year.

Across the full-time working population of more than 23 million people in the UK, that adds up to £10,177,920,000.

The study was commissioned by health and wellbeing provider Benenden Health, whose chief commercial officer, Helen Smith, said: “For those that work full-time across normal office hours, it’s almost inevitable that you might need time off work to visit a doctor."

Ms Smith added: “With a mixed bag in how employers approach time off work for medical appointments, tackling our health concerns could be having a huge effect on the economy.

“It’s important to stay fit and healthy to allow you to work at your best, but traditional access to GPs and other medical appointments are ineffective.

“Proactive employers will recognise the value of good health and wellbeing and have developed strategies that put their people at the heart of their business, but sadly some employers fall short.”

The study found 65 per cent of respondents said their workplace had made allowances for additional time off for medical reasons.

However, one in five workers who suffer from a chronic medical condition have kept it a secret from their employer.

More than a third of those polled also confessed to feeling “guilty” about taking time off work to visit a doctor or another medical professional.

And only half said their employer was flexible when they needed to book an appointment.

One-third even feared that taking time off work to deal with health concerns could end up holding them back in their career, while a fifth have waited until after their shift at work has finished to go to A&E, instead of taking time out of the office.

“We know that many GP and health providers are looking at their opening hours to allow more access outside of normal office hours, but employers also have a vital role to play,” Ms Smith said.

"It shouldn’t be so hard to prioritise our health and wellbeing.

“Forward-thinking workplaces are including health initiatives such as free access to 24/7 GP helplines video e-consultations, and prescriptions delivered to your door or desk.

“This means that employees could get medical advice on their breaks without needing to travel to a GP, benefiting both the employer and employee.”

More information on how employers can make access to a GP easier can be found at www.benenden.co.uk/gphelplineatwork.

SWNS