Health Secretary Victoria Atkins is asked next about the government’s efforts to improve productivity, and if the aim is to cut out of work benefits.
She tells Trevor Phillips: “I’m looking into how we can change the conversation from getting a sick note to getting a fit note.
“So, changing this emphasis that somehow musculoskeletal conditions, for example, which is a very common reason for people being signed off sick, that that means that you can’t do any work whatsoever.
“Because we know not only does work have financial benefits for us, it also is important for our wellbeing, it can help with our mental health, it can help with recovery.
“There’s a huge amount of work that Mel Stride is doing in the Department for Work and Pensions on this but, as health secretary, I really want to help him.”
