Replacing the traditional sick note, the government hope that the fit note will cut the cost of sick leave for employers and benefit the British economy by an estimated £240m over the next 10 years. The fit note aims to change the onus on employers to help staff return to work in some capacity.
GPs will now be able to advise if an employee may be fit for work and how the employee's condition will affect what they do
GPs will now be able to advise if an employee may be fit for work and how the employee's condition will affect what they do. GPs will also have the option to advise if their patient would be able to work, subject to the employer's agreement, if temporary changes or amended duties could be accommodated.
"If a GP decides their patient is capable of some form of work, for example if they've got back pain and they should temporarily avoid elements of their normal job, then it will be down to the employer to be flexible enough to accommodate them," said Dr Laurence Buckman, chair of the British Medical Association's GPs committee.
"However, we think much more needs to be done to ensure employers, in particular local line managers, have enough information about the changes."
It has been estimated that ill-health is costing the economy £100bn a year. Business owners have cautiously welcomed the new fit note, but there are fears that the new measure may lead to some confusion.