Employers must monitor workloads to protect staff wellbeing, says UNISON

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea responded to the publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review, which examines the impact of ill health on the workforce.

“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.”

Supporting Workers with Disabilities

McAnea emphasized that employers should prioritize keeping people with disabilities employed. She called for strong standards to ensure workplace adjustments are appropriate and implemented promptly.

Improving Statutory Sick Pay

Increasing statutory sick pay was highlighted as a crucial measure to prevent employees from attending work while unwell, which poses risks to their own health and that of their colleagues.

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

Author’s Summary

UNISON stresses the importance of early support, workplace adjustments for disabled employees, and better sick pay to maintain workforce health and safety.

UNISON — 2025-11-05