In a crackdown to reduce
Work and Pensions Minister Lord McKenzie said, “Employers tell us that managing sickness absence can beome a challenge. This is compounded by a “sick note” system that makes illness a black and white issue – either you’re unfit or you’re not. We recognise how important it is to help people who are sick to stay in work or get back to work quickly – the new fit note will help do just that.”
Doctors, employers and trade unions have 12 weeks to comment on how they believe the new fit note should be designed.
Do you think that the new fit note will help you to manage absence in your business?
Rita Nissiphorou wrote:
Medical statements are prescribed in regulations. There are two sets of regulations those which relate to Statutory Sick Pay paid by an employer, and those relating to state benefits paid by Jobcentre Plus. Identical changes are proposed to both.
Sue wrote:
Most people on the old Incapacity Benefit have their eligibility assessed not by their GP, but by a doctor from Atos, contracted to the DWP. Claimants for the new ESA have GP notes, but only for the first thirteen weeks, after which they are also assessed by an Atos doctor, nurse or OT. Therefore, the reference to the number of people on IB is a red herring when discussing the new fit notes to be issued by GPs.