DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Sunak's cure for sick-note culture trends now
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Britain was once nicknamed the 'sick man of Europe' because of its stricken economy.
Today, with a staggering 2.8million people aged 16 to 64 apparently unable to work due to ill health, that title can be taken literally.
We are spending an eye-watering £69billion a year to support rising numbers claiming long-term sickness and disability benefits – more than twice the annual school budget.
Not only is it a drain on the nation's resources and an obstacle to growth, but fewer workers are paying higher taxes to fund handouts. Something has to give.
So we welcome Rishi Sunak's proposed crackdown on 'sick-note culture'. For too many, he says, benefits have become a comfortable 'lifestyle choice'.
In a thoughtful but bold speech, the PM said there was a 'moral mission' to coax the economically inactive back to work.
In a thoughtful but bold speech, the PM said there was a 'moral mission' to coax the economically inactive back to work
He's right, of course. A fulfilling job can help give a person a sense of purpose and pride, improving mental and physical health.
So how does Mr Sunak intend to cut the numbers languishing on welfare?
It will become harder to get signed off work. Health professionals will assess what employment a person can do – not what they can't.
More medical evidence will be required before someone can claim disability allowances. And those on the dole for a year could have their benefits axed.
Some, of course, legitimately cannot work for medical reasons. But in these days of technology and working from
