GP “Fit Notes” to be introduced in 2009

Published: 26th November 2008

The GP sick certificates with which we are all so familiar are to be abolished in 2009. In their place GPs will produce new electronic "fit notes".

The idea behind these new certificates is that they will switch the focus of GP's advice to what exactly an employee can do, rather than what they can't. In theory, the new notes will help employers consider whether an earlier return to work can be accommodated in the work place and how that can be achieved, based upon more detailed advice from the GP. The Government intends to consult about the proposals in early 2009, with the new notes being rolled out in late 2009.

These changes are part of the Government's paper "Improving Health and Work: Changing Lives". This document highlights the importance of having a fit and healthy workforce and rather impressively suggests "by working together we will help combat social exclusion, eradicate child poverty, support our ageing population, and together build a workforce for tomorrow".

There is little doubt that the provision of greater information at an early stage to employers from GPs about what employees can actually do, should be of far greater practical value than the current one line (or even one word) sick notes. However, realistically we are unsure how GPs without any knowledge of an individual workplace will be able to provide such information, or indeed whether they will have the time (or inclination) to do so.

The Government's paper can be found at the following web link:

http://www.workingforhealth.gov.uk/Government-Response

Also included are the following proposals:

• a national education programme to be made available to GPs from April 2009, on dealing with health and work issues;
• the creation of health, work and well-being coordinators who will champion and integrate the approach to health, employment and skills;
• a national centre for working-age health and well-being;
• an Occupational Health Service provided cost effectively to SMEs through NHS Plus and the provision of a telephone Occupational Health Service to small businesses;
• placing employment advisers in GPs Surgeries and enabling GPs to refer individuals to Job Centre Plus; and
• undertaking a review of the health and well being of the NHS workforce.

Whilst we have little further tangible information about this in practice, if this does raise any issues for your organisation please do contact your usual contact in the Mace & Jones Employment and HR Team.