Rishi Sunak to Address “Sick Note Culture” in Major Welfare Reform Speech
Rishi Sunak is set to address claims of a “sick note culture” in a significant new speech on welfare reform, where he will caution against “over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life”.
As the UK grapples with the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and a resulting cost of living crisis, the number of working days lost to sickness or injury has reached record highs. In response, the Chancellor will emphasize the importance of focusing on what work individuals can do, rather than unnecessarily labeling them as sick and “parked on welfare”.
This speech comes on the heels of controversial comments made by work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, who suggested that normal life challenges were being mislabeled as medical conditions, hindering people from returning to work. Critics, including the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Centre for Mental Health charity, expressed disappointment and concern over these remarks.
Disability equality charity Scope has also raised questions about the motivations behind Sunak’s announcements, suggesting that cost-cutting may be prioritized over supporting disabled individuals.
However, Sunak is expected to outline a vision for a “new welfare settlement for Britain”, pledging to take a more ambitious approach to helping people re-enter the workforce. He will stress the importance of not dismissing or downplaying illnesses, while also advocating for a shift towards a more proactive strategy for getting individuals back to work.
The government plans to review the fit note system, proposing that specialized work and health professionals take on the responsibility of issuing fit notes instead of GPs. This move aims to provide individuals with the appropriate support they need to remain employed.
Since the start of the pandemic, a significant number of working-age individuals have become inactive due to long-term sickness, largely driven by mental health conditions. Sunak will highlight the need to change the “sick note culture” so that the focus is on what work individuals can do, rather than what they can’t.
The latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of people out of work due to long-term sickness has reached a record high of 2.8 million as of February 2024. Many of these individuals cite depression, anxiety, or bad nerves as contributing factors to their inability to work.
As Sunak unveils his plans for welfare reform, stakeholders from healthcare professionals to individuals with lived experience will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a call for evidence launched on Friday. The goal is to create a system that supports disabled individuals and helps them re-enter the workforce successfully.
Critics, including Labour’s acting shadow work and pensions secretary Alison McGovern, have raised concerns about the government’s approach to welfare reform, suggesting that more comprehensive solutions are needed to address the challenges faced by individuals unable to work due to illness.
Overall, Sunak’s speech is expected to spark debate and discussion on the best way to support individuals facing health challenges while also promoting workforce participation and economic recovery.