AS many as 75,000 North-East workers have been off sick for a month or more per year over the last three years, new figures suggest.

Across the country, the figure was almost a million – 966,000.

The Government released the statistics, covering October 2010 to September 2013, as it launched its new Health and Work Service to tackle the problem.

Recent figures show more jobs are being created nationally but more than 130 million days are still being lost to sickness every year, costing the economy an estimated £100bn.

Officials say the Health and Work Service will help workers off sick for over a month return to work and help bosses cope better with sick absence.

It is hoped it will save £70m a year and cut sick leave by up to 40 per cent.

GPs and employers will be able to refer sick workers for a “work-focused occupational health assessment”, leading to a timetable being drawn up for their return to work.

Officials say employees will be supported throughout their time with the service.

Work and pensions minister Mike Penning said: “As part of the Government’s long-term economic plan, we are taking action to get people back into work.

“This is a triple win. It will mean more people with a job, reduced cost for business and a more financially secure future for Britain.”