UK leader cracks down on 'sick note culture'

Britain is cracking down on the nation's "sick note culture". The UK's leader Rishi Sunak believes too many people are claiming welfare benefits because of mental health issues. The leader said this was a drain on the economy and was creating labour shortages. The most common reason for doctors to issue sick notes is mental health. Mr Sunak said: "We need to change the sick note culture, so the default becomes what work you can do, not what you can't."

Sunak wants people off benefits and back to work. He said: "We must be more honest about…over-medicalising the everyday…worries of life." He said half of people who became inactive recently cited depression and anxiety. Many people blame Sunak for this crisis. A charity said: "Services are at breaking point following years of underinvestment." Opposition politicians called Sunak's plans "another front for their culture wars".