Independent assessment service 'would return more sick to work'

A report commissioned by the government into long-term sickness absence from work will recommend that independent panels should assess when people are fit enough to return.

The panels would take the place of employees' own GPs.

The review into dealing with long-term sickness at work also suggests tax breaks for firms which employ people who suffer from long-term conditions.

It is estimated the moves would mean 20% of the people currently on sickness absence would return to work.

Prof Carol Black is one of the report's authors.