The Unions NSW inquiry into the impact of compensation cuts on workers was held in Newcastle this morning.
A report released in June by Macquarie University's Centre for Workforce Futures, found the limited progress in returning sick and injured employees to work and further those who did return, suffered regular bullying and harassment.
Giving workers a successful return to work was one of the stated aims of the State Government's cuts to workers compensation four years ago, but Union Assistant Secretary Emma Maiden says nothing has changed.
"We're asking workers to come forward from the Hunter area and tell us about their experiences of return to work under the workers compensation scheme and let me say the stories are heartbreaking."
"We're hearing about people who are close to suicide because of the way their employers are treating them and handling their case."
Workers in the Hunter are encouraged to share their experiences and find out more at: www.unionsnsw.org.au .
