TUC's cautious note on fit notes

TUC's cautious note on fit notes

The TUC has sounded a note of caution about government proposals announced last week concerning the reform of the sick note. Commenting on the proposed 'fit note', TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: 'The TUC agrees that more needs to be done to help those off sick to return to work. 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.' He added: '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.' Announcing a 12-week consultation on the proposals, the government said the new medical 'fit note' would replace the current 'sick note' and help more people stay in work rather than drift into long term sickness. Work and pensions minister Lord Bill McKenzie, said: 'Employers tell us that managing sickness absence can be a challenge. This is compounded by a 'sick note' system that makes sickness absence a black and white issue - either you are unfit for work or you are not. We recognise how important it is to help people who are sick to stay in work or get back to work quickly - the new fit note will help do just that.' Workplace health campaigners have raised concerns about the ability of GPs to make judgments about what work a patient may be able to undertake when the medics have no knowledge of a workplace or a job and little training in occupational health. There are also concerns that discussions between employers and GPs may breach medical confidentiality. And while the government says the measures are intended to address a 'sick note culture', research has shown there is no such culture at work. Instead, workers fearing for their jobs are trooping in while unwell.

DWP news release. TUC news release. Personnel Today.