Off sick? You need to phone your boss, back-to-work adviser says

Government-appointed back-to-work expert Sir Charlie Mayfield has advised that individuals off sick from work should maintain contact with their employer. Sir Charlie, leading the Keep Britain Working taskforce, emphasized that regular communication could aid in the reintegration of employees into the workforce. His latest report highlighted that health-related economic inactivity costs the UK approximately £212 million annually in benefit payments and lost output.

The report suggests that more workplace support, particularly for those with health conditions and disabilities, and the establishment of a Workplace Health System, alongside the NHS, are necessary.

Sir Charlie stressed the importance of improving communication in the workplace to rehumanise it and prevent people from dropping out of work. He emphasized that the issue is not about occasional sickness but about longer-term health concerns. Sir Charlie recounted instances where individuals had minimal contact with their employers during extended periods of sick leave. Around 300,000 people leave their jobs annually due to health conditions, many of which are preventable.

According to Sir Charlie, some employees and employers fear discussing long-term health issues, which can create a distance and lack of understanding, leading to prolonged absences and eventual disengagement from the labor force. He stressed the need for both employees and employers to actively manage sickness and ill health in the workplace.

Employers should provide access to treatments such as physiotherapy and talking therapies, while employees should engage with these support systems. Sir Charlie reiterated that fostering more communication and active management can significantly contribute to adding billions to the economy and enhancing people's livelihoods.