Bosses are wasting valuable NHS time and resources by requesting sick notes beofre they are legally required, according to a new campaign, which is backed by a website, Managing Sickness Absence. The most common causes of sickness absence are minor complaints such as colds or headaches, which can be treated most effectively with self-medication. GPs are not obliged to provide their patients with sick certification for illnesses of seven days or less. The use of GPs services to manage short-term sickness absence is described as a waste of NHS resources, problematic for employees and having cost and efficiency implications for employers.

The website also has explanatory material on the Disability Discrimination Act and Stutory Sick Pay.