Back-to-work adviser urges phone calls with sick employees to boost retention

Sir Charlie Mayfield, appointed as the nation’s back-to-work expert, recommends that employees on sick leave maintain telephone contact with their employers rather than relying solely on emails and medical notes. His latest Keep Britain Working report highlights that poor communication contributes to long-term disengagement, with roughly 300,000 people exiting work each year due to health issues that could be prevented.

The analysis puts the economic burden of health-related inactivity at around £212 million per year in benefit payments and lost productivity. Mayfield also proposes broader workplace support, including access to physiotherapy and talking therapies, and the creation of a Workplace Health System integrated with the NHS. He stresses that both staff and managers often fear discussing health matters, which can widen the gap and increase the risk of permanent labour-force withdrawal.