EMPLOYERS must work closely with family doctors to stop an "epidemic of sick leave", according to the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).

The organisation said bosses needed to be able to reject "unconvincing" sick notes from their staff. The remarks came at a seminar that aimed to tackle concerns about the number of days lost to industry through sick leave.

The EEF, North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and County Durham Development Company organised the Management of Absence conference at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street.

The aim of the event was to set up a forum to boost links between GPs, business and insurance companies and promote a better working relationship between the three.

Alan Hall, EEF northern director, said: "We need to look at how we can improve the work ethic, let employers know they can reject a sick note if it is not convincing and persuade GPs and business to get together to deal with sensitive issues."

Studies show that almost 2.2 million working days were lost in 2001, compared to 1.9m the previous year.

George Cowcher, NECC chief executive, said record levels of sickness and absenteeism were hitting North-East businesses and, as well as improving understanding between the health sector and business, they had to look at dealing with stress.