Reforming the Fit Note

In the white paper, Improving lives: the future of work, health and disability, the government hoped that the Fit Note system might become “an enabler of conversations about health and work, focusing on what people can do, not what they cannot do”. It should facilitate returns to work and help people stay in work where appropriate, by providing information to the employer about what support might enable this to happen.

One idea is that Fit Notes could be improved by more detailed information, although there are concerns that this might increase their length and/or complexity.

Secondly, they could include information from specialists involved in providing care, extending certification powers to other healthcare professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists or psychiatrists on specific aspects of their patient’s health.

Thirdly, additional occupational health training is required for GPs, and that other healthcare professionals should only take on this role with both training and comprehensive and on-going support.

The government says it is now looking at how to shape, fund and deliver effective occupational health services and “aims to be in a position to set out a clear direction and strategy for future reform by 2019-20”.