Employers must monitor workloads to protect staff wellbeing, says UNISON

In response to the publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review on the effects of ill health in the workforce, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea highlighted the importance of supporting worker health and preventing sickness absence.

Support and Prevention for Worker Health

McAnea stated, “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.”

Focus on Disabled Workers

She emphasized that employers must prioritize retaining employees with disabilities by implementing strong standards to ensure workplace adjustments are appropriate and promptly made.

Importance of Statutory Sick Pay

Furthermore, McAnea called for raising statutory sick pay, explaining it would discourage workers from attending work while unwell, thus protecting their own health and that of their colleagues.

“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.”

Author’s summary: UNISON stresses that employers must actively manage workloads and support workers’ health through early intervention, disability accommodations, and improved sick pay to maintain workforce wellbeing.

UNISON — 2025-11-05