TUC reveals sick note concerns

The Trades Union Council (TUC) has sounded a note of caution about the latest proposals regarding the sick note.

General secretary Brendan Barber agrees that more needs to be done to help people off sick return to employment – and in a number of cases a supported or phased return may quicken the process.

His comments come as the government launched a consultation on a new fit note to replace the sick note culture. However, he added that in many circumstances an early return could hinder the recovery process, or even cause a relapse.

“Most employers won’t have the expertise to give workers the support they need for an early return and this could make matters worse,” said Mr Barber.

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Meanwhile, the unionist added that there is a “danger” that the sickness process becomes a conversation between a doctor and an employer.

He concluded that access to proper occupational health support is the “most effective way” of encouraging employees back to work.