{
  "id": 10866078,
  "title": "The Debate: Should you be allowed to text in sick?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/the-debate-should-you-be-allowed-to-text-in-sick",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-30T05:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/the-debate-should-you-be-allowed-to-text-in-sick/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The government's back-to-work tsar advocates for employees to call in sick, rather than text, as a means to \"rehumanise\" the workplace and encourage attendance. Sir Charlie Mayfield posits that calling in sick creates a barrier, prompting workers to consider their decision more carefully than simply sending a text message. However, others argue that the effectiveness of this approach is limited, as persistent dishonesty is unlikely to be remedied through the method of communication alone. The UK currently grapples with high rates of sick leave, and while a call may provide more information to employers, it may not significantly deter dishonest behavior. Ultimately, fostering trust between workers and employers is seen as a more effective solution, rather than imposing restrictions on communication during sick leave.",
  "summary": "The government's back-to-work tsar wants you to call, but is texting in sick a non-issue? We hear the case for and against in the Debate.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sir Charlie Mayfield advocates calling in sick to rehumanise the workplace.",
    "Others argue communication method alone won't curb dishonesty.",
    "Trust between workers and employers deemed more effective solution."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}