Fit for work?

Sick leave is reported  to  cost the  economy £100  billion a  year  and to  result in the loss of about 172 million working days. Previous  health secretary, Alan Johnson, stated  “Poor  health  can  prevent people  fulfilling their potential, leaving them more likely to slip into poverty and social exclusion.” This is shown in the fact that 350,000 people a year transfer from sick notes to benefits

The new electronic “fit note” was introduced from 6 April 2010 with the aim of improving health at work and to encourage workers to return to work. Rather than just having the traditional, “fit/unfit” to work choice, the new “fit note” makes suggestions as to how an unwell individual can be eased back to work. In summary, they allow G.P.’s to comment on what work their patients can do as well as what they cannot do.

If the employee agrees, the fit note would be passed onto their employer. It is hoped this will leave managers better informed about their workers’ needs and able to discuss ways of keeping them in work, such as changing their working hours or altering their duties. For example, employees with back pain – one of the biggest causes of sickness absence – might be able to return to work earlier if they were excused from bending or lifting while they recover.

Employers will need to consider any comments made by the GP, recommended adjustments and consult with the employee. To do this, businesses should consider managers’ training needs and discuss with their occupational health support how the fit notes will be dealt with as part of the employer’s ill health management procedures. Employers should also review their policies and procedures to ensure that they allow for return to work programmes, flexible working and training where necessary.

We host 4 FREE employment breakfast seminars each year. Our next seminar is on Wednesday 15th September and is entitled Employment Update. If you would like to attend this seminar or for further details please email breakfastseminars@georgedavies.co.uk