Fit notes are not working

Fit notes are not working

The system of GP-issued 'fit notes' introduced on 6 April is not working, a survey had found. The fourth annual 'Health of the workplace' report from Aviva, which surveyed GPs, employers and workers, found almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of the 200 GPs questioned felt 'ill-equipped' to provide fit notes, up 1 per cent on last year's survey figure, prior to the introduction of fit notes. A similar proportion (68 per cent) didn't believe that the new system would cut absence levels. This shows a marked loss of faith in the approach, with the response up from 54 per cent in the previous year's survey. The reaction from employers was more damning still; 95 per cent of the employers thought the fit note system will not be effective. Employees too, were unimpressed. Of the 1,000 employees canvassed, 57 per cent did not think their GP was in a position to say whether or not they could return to work. The fit note system, which replaces GP-issued sick notes, was introduced in a bid to reduce sick leave. Instead of just signing workers off sick, GPs have the option to say a patient is either 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work taking account of the following advice.'

Aviva news release and fit note findings. Pulse.

Preparing for the new fit note: guidance for union representatives, TUC, February 2010 [pdf]. TUC sickness absence webpages. Hazards 'Fit for purpose' guide.