British government to change sick leave

LONDON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- In an attempt to cut spending, the British government is considering establishing an agency designed to sign off on long-term sick leave.

The new body, prompted by the government's Independent Review into Sickness Absence, would decide whether people are fit for work, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Employers would be able to ask an assessment panel, rather than a general practitioner, to make independent decisions on employees being considered for long-term sick leave.

The Confederation of British Industry said absent workers cost businesses more than $27 billion a year.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce and a leader of the review, said the current state of sick leave is "unsuitable" for both private employers and the state.

"Sickness absence undoubtedly has a huge impact on businesses -- particularly on smaller firms that struggle with the processes and procedures required, not to mention the direct costs involved," he said.

Ed Davey, the employment minister, said "managing sickness absence more effectively will be a win-win situation for all -- businesses, individuals, the taxpayer and crucially, the economy."

Other suggestions from the review include matching employees on long-term sick leave with more appropriate jobs and tax incentives for employers who help lower paid staff get back to work.