Trevor Noah

Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: Health secretary wants to move from ‘sick note’ to ‘fit note’ system

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.”

‘Absolute privilege to work with Theresa May’

Finally, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins was asked about ex-PM Theresa May and her decision to stand down at the next election, and the number of women in the Conservative parliamentary party.

Ms Atkins starts by paying tribute to Mrs May, saying it’s been “an absolute privilege” to work with her, “not just when she was prime minister, but also the work she’s continued since then”.

She points to tackling domestic abuse and Mrs May’s “critical role” in driving forward legislation.

On women in the Tory party, she says they have “always been cautious about all-women shortlists because we think actually we can make real progress” with organisations like Women To Win.

She adds: “I’ve been meeting some of the female candidates we have coming forward for the next election.

“They are brilliant, and I really look forward to work in welcoming them to the green benches in the House of Commons.”


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