Sick notes - a chance to have your say

01/07/2009

By Nick Hobden, Partner and Head of Employment.

It is fair to say that there has, for some time now, been a debate over the effectiveness of the current system by which GPs are responsible for assessing whether someone is fit to work and issuing sick notes where appropriate.

Not only are there concerns about whether GPs are too quick to issue sick notes, but there is also the problem that the notes themselves often provide scant information. They will typically give only a brief description of the medical problem and the period for which the employee should refrain from working.

Over the years, various pilot schemes have been run in an attempt to find a better way. Now the Government has launched a new consultation on the introduction of 'fit notes'. In an effort to address the problem of people being categorised as either fit or unfit (which can result in employees being away from work for long periods, even if they could undertake some forms of work), the new 'fit note' will seek to provide much greater information regarding the type of work that someone might be fit to do and the steps that an employer can take to help the employee back to work.

Developed with the support of healthcare professionals, employer representatives and trade unions, it is anticipated that the new 'fit notes' will be rolled out across Great Britain in the Spring of 2010. The consultation process continues until 19 August 2009. If you want to express your views on this issue, further information is available from the Department for Work and Pensions website.