The Government's new ‘fit note' which is launched today can benefit employers and their staff, says Water Wellpoint.
The health and wellbeing specialist believes businesses who provide staff easy access to health checks as a result of the change will see lower sickness absence.
Rory Murphy, External Affairs Manager at Water Wellpoint, says: "The introduction of the fit note doesn't have to mean headaches for businesses.
"It can perfectly complement an organisation's existing healthcare services, helping them create a healthier, happier workforce.
"We know from working with companies that when they proactively work with their staff to manage their health, they have lower average sick days and, where there is sickness absence, employees feel supported and valued and therefore want to return to work as soon as they can.
"By giving staff the opportunity to take control of their health, employers gain greater productivity, raise staff morale and reduce costs associated with staff absence - an essential goal for all businesses," he adds.
Unveiled as a replacement for the long-standing sick note, ‘fit notes' form part of the Government's strategy to cut the cost of state benefits, and means those claiming sick-leave will now be assessed for what they are capable of doing.
Previously, sick notes issued by doctors simply stated the employee was too ill to work.
Now GPs can decide whether a person may be fit for work with some support, and what employers can do to help them return, including a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations.
However, as reported by COVER, not all businesses and GPs agree with Murphy, and the new scheme has lead at least one provider to introduce a ‘fit note' advice line for its members.
