England is set to overhaul its sick note system from November, with GPs no longer issuing traditional sick notes but instead referring patients to job coaches, physiotherapists, or even gym memberships. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the move to the Mirror newspaper, stating that the country is moving away from a system that merely treats illness.
WorkWell Scheme Rollout
The WorkWell scheme, which has been extended nationwide, will come into force from November. Under this initiative, GPs can prescribe specialist support from career coaches, occupational therapists, and other professionals rather than simply signing patients off work. Streeting emphasized that a piece of paper that closes doors is no substitute for a proper plan.
Practical Support for Patients
Patients receiving a fit note will be linked with real, practical support including physiotherapy, mental health services, and advice on workplace adjustments. GPs will work closely with employment coaches to help sick individuals write CVs and covering letters if they are job hunting. In some cases, GPs may also prescribe gym memberships or gardening classes.
Addressing Root Causes
Streeting highlighted that the system will tackle the factors that stop people from living fuller, healthier lives at their root. GPs will also connect patients with charities dealing with debt management and housing issues. The Health and Growth Accelerators will bring together NHS teams, occupational therapists, and employment advisers in areas with high levels of health-related economic inactivity to prevent people from falling out of work in the first place.
Reducing Pressure on GPs
Streeting noted that after a decade in which fit notes more than doubled, early signs of change are encouraging. However, far too many people are still being quickly signed off without addressing the cause of the absence or offering support when they are ready to return to work. He pledged further reforms to ensure the fit note system genuinely supports recovery and provides a route back to work.
Good work is good for people's health, reduces pressure on the NHS, and is essential for a strong economy, Streeting concluded, adding that under the 10 Year Health Plan, the NHS will play its full part in delivering that change.
