Dismissal from work due to illness is common - L&G research

GPs routinely see patients dismissed from their job during illness, as employers struggle with workplace health and absence, legal & General (L&G) has found.

Research carried out by the insurer concluded that 50% of GPs saw patients who have been dismissed from their job during an illness ‘a few times a year', while in the North East 5% saw patients dismissed from their job during an illness on a weekly basis.

Diane Buckley, Managing Director of Legal & General's Group Income Protection, said: "Many employers lack the specialist resource to help rehabilitate their staff when they've been ill. They show the importance of early intervention to make sure that tailored, individual support is delivered quickly."

In five regions, more than half of GPs had seen patients in these circumstances a few times a year: 52% in the North West; 53% in the West Midlands; 56% in the South Central; 50% in Scotland and 54% in Wales.

Dr John Delfosse, a practising GP and L&G's Consulting Medical Officer, commented: "As a practising GP, over the years, I have seen patients who unfortunately have been dismissed during a period of illness, usually occurring during the early part of their absence.

"There is no doubt that being at work is good for your well-being and unemployment can adversely alter the course of a period of ill health. I strongly believe that with early targeted intervention, given the right expertise, this outcome can be changed returning my patients to the workplace sooner."