'Ignoring the root cause' | Critics of Sunak's 'sick note culture' claim say good HR is the best fix for rising absenteeism

Rishi Sunak has called for an end to “sick note culture” as he outlined sweeping reforms to the UK’s welfare and benefits systems.

In a speech delivered today (April 19), the Prime Minister announced that the disability benefits system is set to be reformed, in a bid to "more accurately target those who need it most and deliver the right kind of support for people with disabilities and health conditions."

He also revealed plans to remove GP powers to sign people off work. Under his new plans, sick notes in England will instead be issued by "specialist work and health professionals".

"We don't just need to change the sick note, we need to change the sick note culture so the default becomes what work you can do - not what you can't,” said Sunak.