Staff sickness levels in the NHS vary dramatically across the country, but the Audit Commission says that by understanding and tackling the factors causing some of this variation the NHS can increase staff productivity, improve morale and save £290 million. It has produced a briefing that examines the local variation and cost of sickness absence to primary care trusts, NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and outlines where organisations can find more help and advice in cutting sickness absence rates.