Former John Lewis Leader Urges Action to Revive Sick Note Britain
The Urgent Call for Action on Economic Inactivity
Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former leader of John Lewis, is set to address a growing crisis in the UK labor market. His upcoming report, Keep Britain Working, is expected to highlight the alarming increase in people who are not working due to sickness or disability. This issue has become a pressing concern, particularly among young people, many of whom have left the workforce citing mental health challenges.
The report is anticipated to draw attention to the rising number of individuals who have dropped out of the labor market. It is expected that leading employers, including PwC, Tesco, and the John Lewis Partnership, will support the findings of the report. The surge in people being signed off work due to ill-health has raised fears of a “sick note culture” that could threaten economic growth, which is already struggling.
The combination of lost productivity and increased benefit costs poses a significant challenge for the Chancellor as she prepares for the Budget. The government faces a substantial financial shortfall, and the rising costs associated with sickness and disability benefits are exacerbating this issue.
Mayfield is likely to argue that meaningful work can have positive effects on health and well-being. He may emphasize that employment helps prevent isolation and can enhance self-esteem. The report is expected to underscore the negative impact of inactivity on both the economy and individuals, who often face financial and psychological hardships.
According to the report, which is supported by the government, economic inactivity due to sickness has worsened in the UK compared to other similar countries. If current trends continue, an additional 600,000 people could become economically inactive over the next four years, bringing the total to nine million who have already exited the labor market.
The growth in working-age health and disability benefits could add £25 billion to welfare spending between now and 2029-30. Since the pandemic, the number of people leaving the workplace entirely due to sickness and disability has increased by 800,000. Over the same period, two million more people report having health conditions that limit their ability to work, a rise of over 30%. The largest increase is among young people aged 16 to 34, where numbers have risen by 1.2 million, or 77%.
Of these, 530,000 young people reported that their primary condition was related to mental health. While the reasons for the decline in mental health among young people remain unclear, possible factors include social media and the impact of the pandemic. The report is expected to highlight long waiting times for NHS services for mental health issues.
There are also significant delays in treatment for musculoskeletal problems, which are a major cause of absence among older workers.
Recommendations and Employer Responsibilities
Mayfield’s recommendations will focus on existing best practices among employers. Measures are expected to include protocols for maintaining contact with employees who are off sick, reducing the risk of them becoming disconnected from the workplace.
Ruth Sunderland, a prominent voice in the discussion, has described the situation as a “national tragedy.” She argues that Sir Charlie Mayfield is doing a public service by highlighting the scale of the problem facing the UK regarding sickness and disability among working-age people.
The rapid increase in the number of young people whose careers are being affected by mental health issues is a crisis in the making. Employers have a crucial role to play in preventing this “sick note culture” that harms everyone involved.
Companies that support employees through periods of illness and assist those with disabilities can make a significant difference. However, payroll costs are rising due to recent increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
If the government is genuinely committed to “Keeping Britain Working,” it must reconsider its approach to taxing jobs. A more supportive policy framework could help address the challenges faced by workers and employers alike.
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