TUC: Sick leave scheme offers 'win-win' situation for everyone

Hugh Robertson, the TUC's Senior Policy Officer for Health and Safety, has told the BBC that he is "very supportive of the principles" behind a new governmental scheme to get the long-term sick back to work.

From April, staff absent for more than four weeks can be referred for assessments with the Health and Work Service. The non-compulsory assessments will include medical advice and retraining.

Mr Robertson told BBC Breakfast: "The period the government has picked, is probably the right time before the person is off too long. We've got concerns about how it is going to be implemented, but generally it is a win-win situation for everyone."