EMPLOYERS have called for greater emphasis on rehabilitation for employees on long-term sick leave.

Following the Government's announcement on reform of the Incapacity Benefit system, Alyson Howard, chairman of the Kent branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD), said the onus is currently on employers and individuals to deal with the issue of returning to work after a prolonged absence.

She said: "The fact that so many people who actually want to engage in employment, but for one reason or another have not been able to, means that action is needed.

"This would not only benefit individuals, but also business and the economy as a whole."

The IoD pointed out that the chances of returning to regular employment tend to diminish with the length of absence from work.

However, an IoD survey showed many employers would like to help, but at the moment lack access to professional advice and information.

Pathways to Work Pilots are a welcome initiative the IoD said, which hopefully will be rolled out across the country, if successful.