Calls are mounting in the United Kingdom to introduce mandatory health checks for new employees, a proposal championed by former John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield as a means to combat the nation's high rate of sick leave. Mayfield, an adviser on the Keep Britain Working review, suggested the UK could adopt practices similar to those in Finland, where initial health assessments are a standard part of the onboarding process.
Under the proposed scheme, the government would oversee the introduction of these health MOTs, with strong safeguards in place to protect employees' personal data and prevent its disclosure to employers. Mayfield emphasized that such a measure represents "growth hiding in plain sight," requiring no new construction or immigration, and could be implemented swiftly by leveraging the existing workforce.
Beyond initial assessments, the review also advocates for proactive employer intervention when staff are absent due to illness. The suggestion is to develop "stay in work plans" that involve early conversations and adjustments to help employees remain in their roles while recovering, thereby reducing prolonged absences.
These proposals emerge as Germany is also grappling with high levels of sick leave. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has unveiled plans that would require employees to see a doctor even for a single day of absence, a move aimed at boosting productivity amidst economic struggles. Germany's current system allows employees to obtain sick notes via phone and often does not require a doctor's certificate until the third day of absence. Merz stated that the "number of sick days is too high" and that the proposed measures are intended to address a "competitive disadvantage caused by prolonged absences from work."
