It appears that workers in Belfast are the likely to disregard health problems more than anyone else in the UK. This is mainly due to the economic downturn which has left many workers fearful of losing their job for taking time off to address health matters. A recent health report showed that 53% of workers in the city have experienced health problems that they have opted to not act on an interesting figure when compared to the 33% across the UK as a whole that have acted in a similar fashion.

Many avoid the doctor for fear of the outcome being less than favourable, especially if it was likely to involve added time off work. HSA spokeswoman Clare Lee commented that “the economic slowdown is clearly leaving people less inclined to take time off work as they are worrying about keeping their jobs”.

Professor Cary Cooper, a professor of organisational psychology  said that workers are suffering from classic symptoms of ‘presenteeism’. He went on to say that “presenteeism usually occurs in a downturn because employees want to show commitment”, this will usually mean coming in earlier, staying later and showing their face even if they are sick. Despite their good intentions, the practise is actually counterproductive as working while one is ill reduces their productivity, increases the likelihood of accidents and making mistakes.