Guide seeks to reassure employers on new fit notes scheme

Fit notes are designed to encourage those off sick to return to work sooner, but several concerns still exist.

The Department for Work and Pensions recently published guidance for employers on the new “fit notes”. From 6 April, GPs will be able to certify that an employee “may be fit for work taking account of the following advice”, as an alternative to the usual statement that they are “not fit for work” (although this option continues to exist).

Sickness absence cost the UK economy £17.3 billion in 2008, according to recent CIPD figures. The new fit notes are designed to encourage those off sick to return to work sooner. However, some fear the reality may not match the intention. Although 75 per cent of HR professionals in a survey our firm conducted recently thought fit notes were a good idea, only 17 per cent believed they would actually reduce the duration of sickness absence.