BRUSSELS – The number of people taking sick leave in Belgium has fallen, according to the latest figures.

In 2004, an average of 4.77 percent of the working population were off sick at any given time, according to new figures from Human Resources company, SD Worx.

In 2003, the figure stood at 4.9 percent in 2003.

SD Worx said the dip in numbers was because there had been fewer short and unexpected illnesses.

Belgium’s social security offices also noted a fall in sickness rates during 2004, dropping from 58.1 percent to 55.2 percent.

[Copyright Expatica 2005]

Subject: Belgian news