The Government's spending cuts could force people that are ill to carry on working making their health worse, those in physiotherapy jobs have warned.

A recent survey by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) of more than 2,600 people found that one in four workers fear they will be sacked or laid off if they take time off sick. The survey also indicated that half of those questioned feel their bosses do not care about their health.

In a separate study of 500 managers, a third admitted they believed a staff member that called in sick with problems such as back pain is well enough to work.

According to the CSP, the forthcoming comprehensive spending review could lead to heightened fears of redundancy, which in turn is likely to lead to a boost in employees' stress levels  thus placing extra pressure on the NHS.

The findings of the research have concerned those at the CSP who are worried some employers could be preventing staff from seeking help for health problems that are otherwise preventable.

Phil Gray chief executive of the CSP told Yahoo News: "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," he added.