I WONDER how much the rapid and comprehensive spread of the recent influenza outbreak was due to people "struggling in" to work. Many workers in Britain are intimidated by their bosses, to the extent that they are afraid to take time off even when they are genuinely ill.

Sickness absence procedures, return to work interviews and absence monitoring, are all frequently used methods to enforce this culture of intimidation in the workplace. Often workers are threatened with disciplinary action if they take another day off sick, a threat which is usually carried out.

Doctors correctly advise the majority of sufferers to stay at home, in bed, taking paracetamol and plenty of fluids, but many of them fear for their jobs and careers if they follow such advice.

Roger Bannister

33 Admin Road, Kirkby L33 7TX

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