Doctors Warned: Sick Leave Could Cost Future Jobs

Resident doctors at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust in Manchester have been cautioned that their sick leave records could affect future job opportunities. An email from a senior director advised staff experiencing cold symptoms to wear masks and attend work, rather than calling in sick. This directive comes amid wider industrial action by resident doctors in the UK over pay disputes.

The trust, which saw a sickness rate of 7.4% in December, higher than the national average, has reportedly withdrawn conditional job offers from individuals with multiple sick days in a single year. A representative from a doctors' union condemned the email as a "callous disregard" for health and safety, comparing it to practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The union warned that such threats could increase, rather than decrease, sickness rates.

In response, the Northern Care Alliance stated their approach to sickness is rooted in compassion, aiming to support staff recovery while ensuring patient safety. They acknowledged that attendance is crucial for patient care and confirmed that sickness information is included in NHS employment references, handled according to national guidance.