The CBI and Airmic will tackle the future of rehabilitation at a joint conference later this month.

Figures published this week by FirstAssist show that sickness absence costs UK businesses £11.6bn every year, with 105 million days lost.

The half-day event, to take place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport on 24 November, will allow the industry to discuss the benefits of better staff welfare.

Gareth Williams, senior partner at Hugh James Solicitors, who will chair the event, said: "There is both a moral and business imperative for firms to provide rehabilitation care to staff who are unable to work for whatever reason.

"It is not just the human cost to business, as the latest research shows."

Recent research shows that UK business wastes up to £4bn a year over avoidable absence, lost productivity and higher insurance premiums through not taking better care of their staff.

Keynote speakers at the conference will be David Ireland, on behalf of Airmic, and David Rosser of CBI Wales.

Attendance costs £95 plus VAT, including lunch.

For further details, contact Pippa Knights on 029 2039 1045 or email pippa.knights@hughjames.com.