Employers must monitor workloads to protect staff wellbeing, says UNISON

Commenting on the publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review into the impact of ill health on the workforce, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea emphasized the importance of supporting workers' health and well-being.

“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.”

Priority on Supporting Disabled Workers

McAnea highlighted that a primary focus for employers should be retaining employees with disabilities by implementing robust standards to ensure workplace adjustments are appropriate and made promptly.

Improving Statutory Sick Pay

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

This measure would help prevent the spread of illness and protect overall workplace health.

Summary

UNISON calls for proactive employer measures to maintain workforce health through early support, workplace adjustments for disabled staff, and improved sick pay to reduce presenteeism.

UNISON — 2025-11-05