GPs 'see big rise in sick notes'

Stress and depression are major reasons for absenteeism

A third of GPs have noticed a big increase in the number of people needing to be signed off work for at least seven days, a survey has found.

Most (94%) of those quizzed blamed employers for failing to take responsibility for their workers' health and wellbeing.

They warned the current £13bn a year bill for absenteeism could soar without better help for employees.

Norwich Union Healthcare polled approximately 250 GPs.

These figures show that the system is failing workers Tim Baker

The company also surveyed human resources specialists at 214 businesses across the UK.

They report that the major health problems affecting workers are stress (76%), back problems (63%) and depression (57%).

In all cases, these problems can be caused or exacerbated by the working environment.

Nowhere to turn

Forty-two percent of companies said they had struggled with key members of staff being off for long periods of time, causing widespread disruption.

However, the survey reveals only 38% of companies see employee wellbeing as an HR priority.

Four in ten companies ignore it completely as they do not have any system in place for health management.

Instead, 43% said they chose to manage health issues on a case-by-case basis.

And 70% of companies admitted they did not see employees' health as their responsibility.

The poll of GPs reveals most believe firms do not do enough to prevent workers falling ill, and blame companies for failing those who are ill, and not doing enough to help them back to work.

Furthermore, doctors are concerned that inadequate NHS frontline services for conditions such as depression leave employees with nowhere to turn.

Pro-active approach

Tim Baker, Director at Norwich Union Healthcare, said: "These figures show that the system is failing workers.

"Greater co-operation is needed between GPs and employers to find a solution to rising illness caused at work.

"Businesses must look to the many examples that exist within both the public and private sector of organisations, such as the Royal Mail and Rolls Royce, which have actively promoted a healthy workplace and proactively managed adverse health effects and consequently achieved a reduction in absence and ill health and increases in productivity."

A British Medical Association spokesperson said: "Family doctors are not best placed to advise on occupational health matters.

"Confirming that a patient is unwell is very different to making a judgement on whether someone is well enough to do their job.

"This may be determined by a host of other non-medical factors concerning the equipment they are using or the physical environment they work in.

"We are continually seeking improvements in the certification process and would like to see a much broader approach in tackling the problem."

Doctors 'not police'

Dr Su Jones, of the doctors' insurance organisation, the Medical Protection Society, said: "A doctor needs to be in a position to make an assessment on whether the patient is ill or not, and the GP must write the sick note appropriately and honestly.

"However, not all doctors are occupational health experts and it is not their responsibility to tackle inappropriate absenteeism on behalf of employers.

'If GPs have to police absenteeism on behalf of the state or employers, it will undermine the doctor-patient relationship."

Ministers announced plans last week to reform the benefits system and get one million sick or disabled people into employment.