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GPs to hand out ‘fit notes’ to reduce workplace absence

Doctors’ ‘sick notes’ are to be replaced by ‘fit notes’ under government plans to reduce workplace absenteeism. *

The proposals were announced in the Government’s 'Improving health and work: changing lives' report, in response to Government Health Advisor Dame Carol Black’s recommendations on the health of Britain’s working age population.

Under the new plans, the paper-based 'sick note' will be replaced in 2010 with an electronic 'fit note' outlining the duties an employee is able to complete, which could be passed onto their employers.

The idea is that GPs in England will concentrate on tasks that the workers can perform rather than focusing on what they cannot do.

There will also be more support to help people back to work as soon as possible.

The Government also plan to pilot an occupational health helpline for smaller businesses to provide employees with access to professional occupational health advice on health issues, including mental health, during business hours.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: “Sick leave costs an estimated £100 billion per year - but helping people stay in work doesn't just have an economic imperative, it has a moral and social one too. Poor health can prevent people fulfilling their potential, leaving them more likely to slip into poverty and social exclusion.

“That is why we have set out a comprehensive framework to help support employers and the NHS to encourage individuals back into the world of work as soon as possible.”

Official figures show that around 172 million working days were lost in 2007 due to sickness absence (CBI survey).

Businesses can ensure staff have support and access to some of the services they need by introducing a health cash plan for their workers.

Westfield Health’s corporate Foresight Health Cash Plan gives employees the means to claim back money towards the cost of everyday healthcare such as dental and optical treatment, diagnostic consultations, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment, up to set limits.

Some of Westfield’s plans also offer access to a 24-hour GP telephone consultation service, which enables employees to speak to a fully qualified GP at a time convenient to them.

A 24-hour counselling and advice line is also available, enabling employees to speak to a qualified and experienced counsellor, lawyer or medical adviser at any time in complete confidence.

The Foresight Plan also includes up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, which allow policyholders to talk through issues in person.

For more information about the Foresight Plan, please visit www.westfieldhealth.com/foresight

Reference:

*http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=385339&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False – ‘Keep Britain working - Johnson and Purnell respond to Dame Carol Black report’

** http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7747618.stm - Ministers back 'fit note' plans