The provided line chart compares the proportion of employees absenting from illness in five different European countries, between 1991 to 2001
Overall, the Netherlands recorded the highest percentage of worker with illness absence throughout the period. France’s figure experienced a dramatic decline towards the end, whereas Sweden figure rose steadily and recorded the greatest increase. The UK and Germany’s figures remained relatively stable over the timeframe.
Specifically, in 1991, France dominated with 5% of worker absenting of illness, followed by the Netherlands and Sweden at around 4,8% and 3% respectively. The UK and Germany recorded notably lower figures, at roughly 2.6% and 1.6% respectively. The gap between France and Germany was therefore about 3.5 percentage point.
Subsequently, France’s figure had edged up to approximately 5.2% by 1992, before dropping to 3% in the end of the period. By contrast, the Netherland’s percentage fluctuated considerably, peaking at 5.5% then plunging to just over 4% and recovering to roughly 5.4% in 2001. In terms of Sweden, its figure remained unchanged before rising steadily, overtaking France in 1996, reaching rougly 4.7% eventually. While The UK and Germany’s percentage remained relatively stable, standing at 2.6% and 1.6% respectively