Employers must monitor workloads to protect staff wellbeing, says UNISON

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea commented on the publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review, which examines the impact of ill health on the workforce.

“It’s in all our interests that workers keep well and are supported back to their jobs should they fall ill or get injured. Prevention is key to stopping staff being signed off in the first place. That means managers providing the right help early on.”

She emphasized that employers should focus on retaining employees with disabilities by implementing robust standards to ensure workplace adjustments are appropriate and made promptly.

“A top priority for employers should be keeping people with disabilities in jobs. Robust standards must be introduced to make sure adjustments to their workplaces are suitable and happen quickly.”

McAnea also called for an increase in statutory sick pay to discourage sick employees from attending work, which could jeopardize their own health and the health of colleagues.

“Raising statutory sick pay would stop staff from going into work when they’re poorly, risking their health and that of their colleagues.”

Overall, the focus is on prevention, early support, and fair policies to promote staff wellbeing and job retention.

Author’s summary: Effective workload monitoring, early intervention, and improved sick pay are essential steps employers must take to safeguard employee health and maintain workplace productivity.

UNISON — 2025-11-05

Employers Must Monitor Workloads to Protect Staff Wellbeing, Says UNISON

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