Sicknote Britain Costs GBP103bn

Sicknote Britain Costs £103bn

Employers and the government must invest more money into health initiatives to reduce the £103bn cost of sickness in the UK, a recent study says.  Working for a Healthier Tomorrow highlights insufficient access to good work-related health support in the early stages of sickness, including mental health conditions.  It suggests how to keep staff healthy and gives advice on helping them return after illness.

National Director for health Dame Carol Black said a new Fit for Work service would be piloted for patients in early stages of sickness, if successful it would be rolled out across the country.  It would also be extended to people claiming incapacity and other out of work benefits.  She also recommended the paper-based sick note be replaced with an electronic Fit Note – stating what people can do, not what they are incapable of.  

Our view

We do like the idea of the electronic fit note.  The easiest way to stop sickness is to stop statutory sick pay, stop short tem private health income protection schemes and also make doctors liable for the sicknote they issue.

People should not get paid for being off sick unless it is a long-term serious illness that a doctor is prepared to sign.  Two weeks off for influenza or a month for stress or a bad back should not be paid for.  

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