Calls are growing within the United Kingdom to introduce mandatory health checks for new employees as a strategy to address increasing levels of sick leave. Sir Charlie Mayfield, former chairman of John Lewis, has proposed that the UK could adopt a model similar to Finland by implementing these health assessments for individuals starting new jobs.
In an update to his "Keep Britain Working" review, Sir Charlie advocated for a phased introduction of these "health MOTs," with the initiative to be government-supervised. He emphasized the necessity of robust safeguards for personal data, ensuring that medical information would not be disclosed to employers.
"We are strongly encouraging employers to think about developing what we call stay in work plans," Sir Charlie told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "So rather than just waiting for someone to leave work, you act early, talk to them early, see if you can make some adjustments that allow that person to stay in work while they are getting better."
He further suggested that such measures represent "growth hiding in plain sight," as they do not require new housing construction, immigration channels, or waiting for young people to enter the workforce. The proposals come as Germany is also confronting high rates of sick leave.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans on Thursday that would require workers to see a doctor even for a single day off sick. This move aims to combat high absenteeism and boost productivity amidst Germany's economic challenges. The proposed German system would eliminate the current practice of obtaining sick notes over the phone, which often means a doctor's certificate is not required until the third day of absence.
"The number of sick days is too high," Merz stated. "We are creating a set of tools that will enable those involved, both employees and companies, to correct this. We know this is a tough decision. But we can no longer afford the competitive disadvantage caused by prolonged absences from work."
