The Government has announced that a new “fit note” will replace the current “sick note” scheme. It is expected to be rolled-out across the UK in Spring 2010. The aim of this is to encourage employees to stay in work, rather than going on long term sick leave. Ben Bradshaw (Health Minister) said: “ Getting people back into work quicker is good for their health as well as the country’s finances”.
The new fit note will have more details to enable people to get better advice about staying in work. It will include recommendations as to what their employer can do to help them return to work, as soon as possible.
Written by our HR specialist - Simone Greasley