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Trade unions have joined with small businesses to campaign for better back treatment.
The TUC, the Forum of Private Business and pressure group BackCare announced a campaign to promote better care, backed by a helpline for small firms.
Small companies lose around 1.2 million working days, and over £100m a year, because of back strain, the organisers said.
The forum has begun a face-to-face survey of 1,500 small firm members to identify the extent of the problem. In the autumn it will join with the TUC in distributing educational material to 100,000 small companies. "Small business owners realise that their most important asset is their employees," said Stan Mendham, executive chairman of the Forum. "Back pain is a major cause of absenteeism."
The organisations are seeking expert assistance for the helpline. Recent thinking on back problems recognises the importance of early intervention and rehabilitation, and the earliest return to work possible (Occupational Health, May).
