The work of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency to prevent sick leave – an unclear remit (RiR 2021:19)

The Swedish National Audit Office (Swedish NAO) has audited whether the Swedish Insurance Agency works efficiently and consistently to prevent sick leave. The audit has a special focus on preventive sickness benefit and workplace-oriented rehabilitation support. The Swedish NAO’s overall conclusion is that there are shortcomings in the Social Insurance Agency’s work to prevent sick leave in terms of both efficiency and consistency. The Swedish NAO notes that the Government has not given the Social Insurance Agency a clear remit to prevent sick leave. Therefore, the Social Insurance Agency is less equipped to fulfil its remit than would have been possible with a clear and long-term remit from the Government.