Sickness absence, Q1 2004

Reduced growth in large industries

There was no growth or reduced sickness absence in the largest industries, such as manufacturing, domestic trade, hotels and restaurants, real estate and business activities. Construction, education, health and social services and public administration experienced increased sickness absence, although the growth was smaller than in previous quarters.

The following comments are based on the figures for sickness absence certified by a doctor, which represents approximately 90 per cent of the total absence. The survey on self-certified absence only contains information on industry and gender.

Reduced absence among the youngest

The reduction in the sickness absence rate was highest in the youngest age groups. The sickness absence rate fell for men under 50 years of age, and for women under 54 years of age the rate fell or remained unchanged.

New tables: Sickness absence by occupation

This is the first time that Statistics Norway publishes figures on doctor-certified sickness absence by occupation. Due to insufficient reporting, employees in health enterprises and the municipal and county administration have not been included in the tables on distribution by occupation.

The tables are not available in English yet. However, English designations and details on the aggregation of certain occupations are available at http://www.ssb.no/emner/06/01/regsys/om_yrke.html - _Toc74450379 .

Adjustment of previous figures

The figures for Q4 2002, Q1 and Q2 2003 have been adjusted due to errors. This means that the sickness absence in these quarters was 0.1-0.2 percentage points higher than previously published.

Sickness absence statistics in Statbank Norway

Statbank Norway is an Internet service containing detailed statistics on sickness absence by gender, age, industry and county of residence.

Tables:

• Table 1 Sickness absence man-days for employees self-certified and certified by a doctor. In per cent of scheduled man-days (Sickness absence rate). Quarterly figures. 2000-2003
• Table 2 Sickness absence man-days for employees self-certified and certified by a doctor, by sex. In per cent of scheduled man-days (Sickness absence rate). Quarterly figures. 2000-2003
• Table 3 Sickness absence man-days for employees self-certified and certified by a doctor, by industry and type of sickness absence. In per cent of scheduled man days (Sickness absence rate). Quarterly figures. 2000-2003

Published tables