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Safety Net Journal Issue 12 |
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New proposals to replace 'sick note' with 'fit note'
The Dept for Work and Pensions is consulting on proposals to change the 'sick note' scheme which GPs use to sign people off work.
One of the recommendations of the review of work, health and well-being led by Dame Carole Black was that the current sick note system should be replaced with an electronic 'fit note. The 'fit note' would help GPs switch the focus of their advice to what people can do rather than what they cannot and encourage them to advise on how workers can be kept on at work rather than being signed off sick. See http://www.workingforhealth.gov.uk/ for more details of her recommendations.
The DWP has now issued a consultation on changes to the regulations covering GP medical statements to allow this to happen. To see the consultation document go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2009/.
While recognising that more needs to be done to help those off sick to return to work, the TUC has raised some concerns about the proposals. TUC General Secretary, Brendan barber commented, 'In some cases a phased or a supported return may help speed up the process of an ill or injured worker getting back to work. But there are many circumstances where an early return can prevent the worker making a full recovery, or even lead to a relapse. Most employers won't have the expertise to give workers the support they need for an early return and this could make matters worse.'
'There is also a danger that because of the proposed changes, the sick note process will become a dialogue between the GP and the employer, and workers may feel they are being forced back to work. The most effective way of encouraging workers back to work is through access to proper occupational health support.'
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