Workers could be denied sick notes in bid to boost economy

Government concerned by rise in long-term sickness since pandemic

The government could tell doctors to sign fewer sick people off work as part of a bid to boost the flagging performance of Britain's economy.

People now deemed ill enough to get a sick note would instead be "helped" to remain in work under plans reported by The Telegraph and under consideration in Whitehall.

Ministers, including chancellor Jeremy Hunt, have voiced concerns about increasing levels of economic inactivity in the economy – as well as the number of people signed off work with long-term conditions.