DOCTORS may not realise the health benefits of work when they sign patients of sick, according to a new study.

"Work is good for you" is the official message from the Department for Work and Pensions following the publication of an independent review last year.

The review, commissioned by the department, examined 400 pieces of scientific evidence which suggested work was good for physical and mental health.

But a separate new survey by Doctors.Net of 1,500 GPs found that two-thirds (64 per cent) were unaware of that evidence.

Nearly 90 per cent said that if they knew of this evidence it would affect the advice they give to their patients.

The survey, was revealed by Lord McKenzie, this month at a British Medical Association Conference brought together 100 leading doctors to discuss the growing medical evidence that work is good for people's health.

The findings were met with surprise by doctors in Worcestershire.

Simon Parkinson, secretary of the Local Medical Committee which represents about 488 GPs in the county, said he has always maintained there are important health benefits to work.

He said: "I have always said work can be therapeutic. I'm surprised by these findings. A normal life involves going to work. Work is useful - it gives people a sense of purpose and social contact. It's good for psyche and confidence. A lot of people don't like sitting at home doing nothing. This is shown by the large number of retired people who carry on working. People like to be busy and active."

In his speech Lord McKenzie said: "The recognition that there is evidence that work is good for people's health is, I believe, powerful. Because it means staying in work or returning to work could actually be part of the solution to ill-health - no longer be seen as part of the problem."

As part of its Health, Work and Well-being Strategy, the government has developed a series of initiatives to support and educate healthcare professionals on the health risks of unemployment, the consequences of signing people off long-term sick, and how they can help patients stay in or return to work.