The government has launched a radical trial that will see GPs cease issuing sick notes, in a bid to reduce the number of people out of work due to health issues. The initiative will initially affect hundreds of thousands of workers across four locations in England.
New System Replaces Fit Notes
Under the new system, patients will be referred to support services where they will receive personalised 'return to work' plans, rather than being handed a fit note. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated that the trial aims to overhaul the current 'broken' fit note system, which issues 11 million notes annually, with the vast majority declaring recipients unfit for work.
Minister's Vision
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described current fit notes as a 'dead end' and emphasised the goal of helping people recover faster and stay connected to their jobs. He said: 'We want to move away from a system that simply signs people off work, towards one that actively supports their recovery and return to employment.'
Reactions from Medical Bodies and Charities
The Royal College of GPs has expressed openness to reforms but stressed that any changes must prioritise patient health, be fully resourced, and avoid increasing GP workload. Disability charity Scope also called for listening to disabled people's experiences, warning that the new system must not pressure people back to work before they are ready.
The trial is expected to run for several months before any potential nationwide rollout. The DWP hopes the new approach will reduce the number of people claiming benefits due to long-term sickness, which has risen sharply in recent years.
