Government Plans to Introduce a 'Fit Note'

The fit note, which if introduced will be electronic rather than hand-written like sick notes, is designed to help more people stay in work rather than drift into long-term sickness. The new regime aims to improve the flow of information between employers, employees and their GPs. The fit note will also suggest what employers can do to help people return to work sooner, such as suggesting a different role for an individual. The government has launched a 12 week consultation process on the matter which concludes this month.  Expected changes are likely to be introduced in April 2010.

Nick Barnett

Published on 01/09/2009