The Labour government has confirmed a major overhaul of the broken fit note system, aiming to replace it with personalised 'stay in work' and 'return to work' plans. The announcement follows several government pilots designed to reform the system for workers who fall ill.
Current System Criticised
The Labour Party revealed that the current system issues around 11 million fit notes annually, with more than nine in ten declaring the person 'not fit for work'. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden criticised the existing approach, stating: 'Fit notes are too often a dead end - a piece of paper that tells people they can't work but does nothing to help them get better.'
Four Pilots Across England
Four pilots will be launched across England, exploring the best way to end what the government describes as a 'tick-box exercise' that offers no support or guidance. The pilots will cover up to 100,000 appointments and last up to a year, with continuous testing.
Two Pathways for Patients
Under the new system, patients will be offered one of two pathways. The first involves an initial fit note from a GP followed by a referral to community health workers. The second pathway bypasses the GP fit note entirely, with patients supported by a separate service staffed by clinical and non-clinical practitioners.
McFadden added: 'We're changing that. By bringing employers, the NHS, and patients together we can help people recover faster, stay connected to their jobs, and get the economy firing on all cylinders. That's what these pilots are about, and that's what this Government is committed to – fixing what is broken.'
