New ‘Fit Note’ Unveiled
28th May 2009
The government has announced details of its new 'Fit Note', to replace the MED3 sicknote.
There is currently a 12-week consultation with doctors, employers and trade unions on the design of the Fit Notes, and it is intended that they will come into use in Spring 2010.
Rather than just having a binary 'fit / unfit' to work choice, as with the current forms, the new 'Fit Note' will contain suggestions as to how an individual might be helped back into work.
Work and pensions minister Lord Bill McKenzie said the new system would help more people stay in work rather than drift into long-term sickness.
The DWP website stated: “The new 'fit note' will enable people to get the best possible advice about staying in work, and if they can't work what their employer can do to help them return to work sooner. For example, if the employee has a problem with mobility, suggesting a job where they can work sitting down rather than standing up.”
- A recent report warned ill-health was costing the economy £100bn a year.
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