DWP and DHSC have announced today that patients, employers and GPs are set to benefit from an overhaul of the fit note system following the launch of several Government pilots to reform the system for workers who fall ill.
In response to the announcement, Professor Neil Greenberg, SOM President, said:
“The current fit note system is not working. Too many people who could potentially remain in work are not, harming both individual wellbeing and the UK’s productivity. The Society of Occupational Medicine welcomes DWP's proposed fit note pilots, particularly the workability plan. We anticipate that the pilots will generate useful data to help address this challenge and should alleviate some GP pressures and help bridge gaps between employers and employees.
"However, to ensure these pilots are effective, it is vital that the non-clinical health and work practitioners who are at the heart of these pilots are properly trained and supervised. These essential activities should involve occupational health experts. Furthermore, there should be clear processes to ensure that workers with more complex health problems are managed by clinical staff with occupational health expertise.
"By reducing absenteeism, improving retention, supporting better health outcomes, and easing GP workloads, fit note reform offers clear benefits for employees, employers, and the NHS. With growing attention on the UK’s workforce, an improved and effective fit note system is a critical part of the solution.”