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The government’s new ‘fit notes’ scheme came into effect on 6 April, with the aim of saving businesses up to £240million over the next ten years.
The new computer-generated forms replaced the old system of handwritten sick notes and are designed to highlight the tasks which employees can still perform, despite their ailments, rather than simply stating they are too ill to work.
They can be used once the employee concerned has been off work for a minimum of seven days.
Doctors may instead recommend reduced hours, alternative duties or a gradual return to work, such as coming back on a part-time basis.
It is hoped this will reduce long-term sick leave and make it easier for people to return to the workplace after a period of illness. It is also hoped it will reduce the £100billion which ill health costs the British economy every year, according to the government’s figures.
Employers will be expected to co-operate to help staff return to work in some capacity, but the British Medical Association has called for more to be done to ensure firms understand their responsibilities.
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