Employers must monitor workloads to protect staff wellbeing, says UNISON | Article, News, Press release | News

Employers Must Monitor Workloads to Protect Staff Wellbeing

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea reacted to the release 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.”

McAnea highlighted the importance of proactive employer measures to safeguard employee health and maintain productivity.

Focus on Supporting Disabled Employees

She stressed that a key responsibility for employers is to retain employees with disabilities by ensuring workplace adjustments are appropriate and implemented promptly.

“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.”

Improvements in Statutory Sick Pay

McAnea also called for an increase in statutory sick pay to discourage employees from working while unwell, which endangers both their 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.”

Summary

Effective workload management, timely support, and improved sick pay are essential measures for protecting employee wellbeing and fostering inclusive workplaces.

UNISON — 2025-11-05