The Government's continued drive to slash benefit spending takes another step today as new guidance is issued about the incoming ‘fit note'.
From April 6, doctors will be able to write a fit note advising that the patient ‘may be fit for work' and offer advice on the effects of their health condition.
Doctors will have the option to advise that their patient would be able to work, subject to the employer's agreement, if temporary changes such as reduced working hours or amended duties could be accommodated.
The most significant changes appear to be cutting the maximum duration of a sick note to three months during the first six months of illness, and the total removal of a "fit for work" option, which is replaced by "fit for work taking account of the following advice."
Replacing the traditional sick note, the DWP hopes it will cut the cost of sick leave for employers, and will benefit the British economy by an estimated £240 million over the next ten years.
It follows on from the introduction of the Employment Support Allowance to replace Incapacity Benefit, a move which has brought reports of hugely increased rejection rates and cancer patients financial support being cut when they should be exempt from questioning.
Lord McKenzie, Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "The fit note will reduce the costs employers often have to bear when people are off sick for a long time.
"We know work is good for people's health. With the right support in place, employers and doctors can work with employees to help them get back to work sooner."
Dame Carol Black, national director for Health and Work said: "The fit note is a hugely important development which means that GPs will be encouraged to think about their patient's ability to work and provide more helpful information to patients to discuss with their employer.
"This is why the fit note is a win-win for both employees and employers."
In addition, a new occupational health advice line is being opened to give every small business in Britain access to occupational health advice from April 1.
The guidance, produced in consultation with business groups and medical representatives, can be found at www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote.
