The Government's spending cuts could force people to carry on working if they are ill, making their health worse, physiotherapists have warned.
A survey of more than 2,600 workers by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) showed that one in four feared being sacked or laid off if they took time off sick, while half felt their bosses didn't care about their health.
A separate study of 500 managers showed a third believed staff who called in sick with problems such as back pain were well enough to work.
The CSP said it was concerned that the attitudes of some employers could be preventing people from seeking help for preventable health problems.
Phil Gray, chief executive of the CSP, said: "We recognise it is tempting in difficult economic times for businesses to cut back on health and wellbeing initiatives such as a physiotherapy service.
"But that is a false economy, because ignoring a recurring condition can potentially lead to lower productivity and high temporary staffing costs.
"We are calling on employers to follow the lead of companies highlighted in the report who invest in the health of their staff."
The society said next week's comprehensive spending review could heighten fears of redundancy, which could lead to extra stress levels, placing extra pressure on the NHS.
