Fit for Work

Crutches

On 17 February 2011 the government set up a review of the sickness absence system to help reduce the 140 million days lost to sickness absence every year.

According to the Government The fit note replaced the old ‘sick note’ in 2010. The fit note allows doctors to provide advice to their patient about the effects of their health condition and how they might be able to return to work while they recover. The fit note also helps employers to support their employees back to work as soon as possible, so that they retain skills that are critical to business success.

The government have introduced Fit for Work to help employees stay in or return to work. It is free and provides an occupational health assessment and general health and work advice to employees, employers and GPs.

In England and Wales the scheme has been outsourced to a branch of Maximus, the company also talking over the work capability assessment contract from controversial provider Atos later this year. In Scotland fit for work is being delivered by the Scottish government.

GPs and employers can refer employees for an occupational health assessment via the Fit for Work service once they have been off sick for a month, provided that there is a reasonable prospect of the employee retuning to work. The employee must consent before a referral can be made.

Guidance issued by the DWP last week on the new Fit for Work scheme makes it clear that referrals can only be made to the scheme with the consent of the employee. It also makes it clear that most health assessments will be carried out over the telephone.

If you’re a patient or employee, you can find out more about the fit note and taking sick leave on GOV.UK.