In the past year UK employees have taken an average of 7.8 sick days off work. 

That's the highest level for the past fifteen years, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). 

And the the average is even higher in the public sector, with workers typically taking more than 10 days per annum. 

Employees often need to obtain a sick-note from their GP to be signed off for longer periods, requiring an in-person appointment. They can either approve them for complete absence or limited duties.

But Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride warned at last week's Tory Conference that in 90 per cent of cases time-strapped medics are signing people off completely.

Ministers are now preparing to overhaul the sick note system, with proposals including a 'treat-them-first' policy.

That would see patients 'triaged' by a local medic to ensure they keep working if they can. 

The plans aim to slash the welfare bill, encouraging health support and personalised advice for return-to-work initiatives. 

That could involve occupational or mental-health guidance, Jobcentre work coaches, or 'life coaches'. 

The plans have already sparked heated debate, with critics warning that it will put even more strain on the NHS. 

They have also railed against making it harder for sick people to get an initial appointment. 

So what do YOU think? Would a triage system genuinely help people get treatment that will help them back into work as quickly as possible? Join the debate in the comments.