Former John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield urges the UK to introduce mandatory health checks when people start new jobs, arguing it could help reduce sickness-related absences. Speaking in support of the idea, he points to health screening approaches used in other countries, including Finland, as examples the UK could learn from. The proposal is framed as a response to the wider issue commonly described as “sick note” culture, in which workers rely on medical certification for time off. Under the plan described, employers or the system would require health assessments at the start of employment to identify potential health risks earlier and encourage appropriate support. While specific details such as how checks would be delivered, who would pay, or what standards would be used are not provided in the available report, the central thrust is that regular workforce health monitoring could improve wellbeing and reduce preventable absence. The proposal is presented as a policy idea rather than an announced government initiative.