New ‘fit note’ welcomed by employers

The new ‘fit note’ will save money for employers and contribute £240m to the economy, the government claims.

The new fit note, which will be introduced on 6th April this year, will allow doctors to give an employer a more detailed account of the employee’s capabilities while ill.

They can offer advice on the effects of the health condition and whether the patient would be able to work if temporary changes such as reduced working hours or amended duties could be accommodated.

The Department for Work and Pensions has sought guidance from a range of business and employee groups including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Work and Pensions minister, Lord McKenzie, said: “The ‘fit note’ will reduce the costs employers often have to bear when people are off sick for a long time.

“We know work is good for people’s health. With the right support in place, employers and doctors can work with employees to help them get back to work sooner.”

Ben Wilmott, senior public policy adviser at the CIPD, said there was a strong business case for the introduction of the fit note.

“Evidence shows the longer someone is off sick the less likely they are to make a successful return to work,” he said. “The new fit note will encourage more employers to help people with health conditions make an early phased return to work as part of their rehabilitation and recovery.”

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