Employers must monitor workloads to protect staff wellbeing, says UNISON

Commenting on the publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review, which examines the effects of ill health on the workforce, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea emphasized the importance of supporting worker health.

Key Points from UNISON’s Statement

It is crucial that workers remain healthy and receive support to return to work after illness or injury.
Prevention is essential to avoid employees being signed off sick in the first place, which requires early intervention and proper managerial support.
Employers should prioritize retaining people with disabilities by implementing robust standards for timely and appropriate workplace adjustments.
Increasing statutory sick pay would discourage employees from attending work while unwell, protecting their own health and that of their colleagues.

“It’s in all our interests that workers keep well and are supported back to their jobs should they fall ill or get injured. Prevention is key to stopping staff being signed off in the first place. That means managers providing the right help early on.”

“A top priority for employers should be keeping people with disabilities in jobs. Robust standards must be introduced to make sure adjustments to their workplaces are suitable and happen quickly.”

“Raising statutory sick pay would stop staff from going into work when they’re poorly, risking their health and that of their colleagues.”

UNISON’s Call to Action

The union stresses that employers need to actively manage workloads and provide timely support to enhance staff wellbeing and reduce the risk of long-term sickness absence.

Summary: UNISON urges employers to focus on early support, workplace adjustments, and better sick pay policies to protect workers' health and ensure sustained employment.

UNISON — 2025-11-05

Employers Must Monitor Workloads to Protect Staff Wellbeing, Says UNISON

Key Points from UNISON’s Statement

UNISON’s Call to Action

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