The UK government is launching a trial in four locations where GPs will stop issuing sick notes, aiming to reduce the number of people out of work due to health issues. Instead of sick notes, claimants will be referred to support services that will create personalised 'return to work' plans.
Current System 'Broken'
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states the current fit note system is 'broken' and often a 'tick-box exercise', with 11 million notes issued annually, nine in ten declaring recipients unfit for work. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted that fit notes are 'too often a dead end' and the new scheme aims to help people recover faster and stay connected to their jobs.
Reforms and Concerns
While the Royal College of GPs is open to reforms, they stress that any changes must prioritise patient health, be fully resourced, and avoid increasing GP workload. Disability charity Scope also urged consideration for disabled people's experiences in the new system.
The trial forms part of a broader government effort to reduce the number of benefit claimants and get millions back to work.
