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Suffolk businesses lose 2.1 million working days to sickness each year

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As Suffolk County Council launches a new workplace health programme, figures from the council reveal the true cost of employee sickness to local businesses, with over 2 million working days lost annually.

Why it matters: According to Suffolk County Council data, lost working days cost Suffolk businesses £432 million in lost productivity last year, quantifying the need for better workplace health support.

Suffolk County Council launch the new workplace health programme, Good Health at Work Programme
Suffolk County Council launch the new workplace health programme, Good Health at Work ProgrammeSuffolk County Council

The big picture: The council's Good Health at Work Programme aims to tackle this challenge by providing free support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing particularly on businesses whose employees face the highest health risks.

Key features of the programme include:

  • An online resource hub offering practical tools and advice

  • A business ambassador network promoting good work practices

  • One-to-one support through a dedicated Navigator Service

What they're saying: "Healthy employees are the foundation of healthy businesses," said Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection. "Last year, Suffolk lost up to 2.1 million working days due to sickness absence, costing £432 million in lost productivity."

Thomas Harley, CEO of Get Set UK, which will deliver the programme, added: "The Good Health at Work programme has been developed to help Suffolk SMEs thrive in today's challenging environment."

How it works: SMEs can join a tiered recognition scheme, starting with a bronze award and progressing to silver and gold as they improve their workplace wellbeing practices against six core standards.

What's next: The programme will run initially for 18 months, with businesses able to access support through goodhealthatwork.co.uk.

The bottom line: With Suffolk businesses losing millions in productivity each year due to employee sickness, the council's new programme offers free support to help local companies create healthier workplaces – but its success will depend on how many SMEs take up the offer.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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