Chamber welcomes well note concept but administrative and financial burden must not fall on business
19/03/2008
The Chamber has welcomed a government report which proposes that sick notes should be replaced with well notes which state what a person with health problems can do rather than what they are unable to do. A report by Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work, will also propose trials for a Fit to Work service providing early access to specialists such as physiotherapists and counsellors.
Said Richard Lacy, Chief Executive of the Chamber:
'Our sick-note culture is costing business dear. Just last year the CBI calculated that sickness absence cost businesses £12.2 billion a year. The impact on productivity and efficiency of our businesses should not be underestimated.'
Added Mr Lacy:
'Of course we recognise that many people are genuinely unwell but research indicates that being out of work for long stretches is unhelpful for both employee morale and future health prospects. The ideal solution for those with relatively minor ailments is to help them back into the workplace as quickly as possible, even if that means adjusting duties and re-assessing the working environment.'
However, said Mr Lacy, the government needs to provide the business community with adequate support to make the proposed changes effective:
'While we welcome the proposals, the burden of administration and cost must not fall to already overburdened businesses.'
