Are too many people being signed off work for mental health issues? | BBC Politics Live
March 12, 2026
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8:59Now PlayingAre too many people being signed off work for mental health issues? | BBC Politics Live
YouTube Description
as posted by the channelHundreds of GPs have told the BBC they have never refused to sign a sick note for a patient complaining of mental health issues.
Dr Lorne McEwan, a GP in Winchester, told Vicki Young on Politics Live that their role is to be the patient’s advocate and added: “We are often the only person in patients’ lives that they can go to for this sort of help and advice”.
Dr McEwan argued that “if the patient feels that it’s in their best interest to be signed off, it’s quite difficult for us to disagree with that”.
Also discussing the increasing number of fit notes were Labour MP Charlotte Nichols, Conservative MP Dr Kieran Mullan and Reform UK councillor Laila Cunningham.
For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news
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