IN REACTION to Heather Causnett (Letters, May 20), when Tesco employ staff I am sure they mention the sick pay scheme as an incentive, just like their holiday entitlements and other conditions of employment.

So why should they now try to change?

Tesco are quick to tell everybody how big their profits are and how they are the biggest and best; so why now try to squeeze even more from their hard- working staff?

Over the years unions have worked for better rights for workers and a good sick pay scheme is one of these rights.

I know some people use the scheme more than others, but why tar everybody with the same brush? Let's face it, Tesco are the company they are due to the hard-working staff and to try and alter the scheme now is an insult to its staff.

Also the type of sick days Heather Causnett writes of normally only last for one or two days, so where does a doctor's sick note come into it?

All these staff pay National Insurance and tax contributions, so how is it costing the country millions?

In my experience, the staff need treating better not worse. This is thin end of the wedge.

G Hartley,

Rosedale Ave,

York.

...I DO hope Heather Causnett is not one of those people who believe in 'bravely' soldiering on at work, full of cold or other infections, passing germs about like after-dinner mints when they should be at home, quietly resting and having cranberry juice.

Spluttering and sneezing over poor vulnerable souls who end up collapsing in a heap in the manner of stringless puppets doesn't seem sensible. It could result in an epidemic of genuine illness and a monumental acceleration of sick notes.

I simply don't believe responsible GPs casually throw certificates around like betting slips.

Margaret Lawson,

Aldborough House,

The Groves,

York.

Updated: 11:20 Monday, May 24, 2004