The NHS has confirmed a year-long trial that will change the sick note system, beginning in July 2026 and lasting until July 2027. The pilot, aimed at reducing the number of people signed off work, involves GPs in four areas of the UK stopping the issuance of sick notes to patients under a Labour Party government trial.
More than 11 million fit notes were issued last year, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The trial will impact people through autumn and winter, and into spring 2027.
How the trial will work
As part of the pilot, patients will be offered either an initial fit note from a GP and then referred to community health workers, or be sent directly to occupational therapists for support or reasonable adjustments to help avoid absence.
DWP minister Pat McFadden said fit notes were “too often a dead end”. “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,” he added.
Reactions from business groups
Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the CIPD, said: “The current fit note system is not working for anyone as a way of supporting people back to work, whether that’s employees, GPs or employers.” “Employers must have a clear role and input into what support and opportunities they can realistically provide. This is a welcome direction of travel but employer engagement will be key to its success,” he said.
Hannah Larsen, policy officer at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Firms have told us that fit notes often sign people off work indefinitely, without a clear timeline for return, explanation for the absence or guidance on adjustments. People must be supported to continue working or start again, helping them to do what they can, with clear timelines and advice for both employee and employer.”
Concerns over practical implementation
Angela Matthews, director of public policy and research at Business Disability Forum, said: “We are unsure about the practicalities of the three-way conversation between employee, employer and trained professional being proposed. While we hope the reform of the fit note system will make it easier for people to get back to work more quickly and with the support they need, these changes will have limited impact unless wider workplace inclusion issues are also addressed.”
