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Suffolk businesses lose 2.1 million working days to sickness each year

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Ipswich's only independent news website

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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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

We can't do this without you!

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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