The Government has issued a report concerning ways to tackle the increasing number of sick days taken each year by employees in the UK. One of the methods suggested is that sick notes should be replaced by electronic “fit” notes. The new certificate is being tested in draft form and the Government will consult on the regulations necessary to effect the change.
The current sick notes issued by GPs focus on what the employee cannot do. The fit note leaves scope for the GP to specify work which the employee may be able to undertake.
The purpose of the fit note is to allow employers to facilitate return to work in a suitable capacity as quickly as possible. The need for change has arisen because the current system institutionalises the attitude that employees should not go to work unless they are 100% fit.
Enabling employees who are well enough to work in some capacity to return to employment is in the best interests of the employees concerned and is thought to be better for business and the economy as a whole.
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David Hoey