Sick notes rubbed out in push to cut benefits bill

The government’s latest attempt to crack down on Britain’s enormous incapacity benefit bill came into action this month when sick notes excusing employees from all work will be replaced by new “fit notes” that could allow them to continue performing some of their responsibilities.

It means that from Tuesday the onus will be on employers to help get their staff back to work, a move welcomed by medical experts.

“Being in work is good for people’s health and wellbeing and it’s for that reason the BMA is pleased that the sick note system has finally been overhauled,” Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the British Medical Association’s GPs’ committee.

The Employment Lawyers Association, however, has warned of potential conflict between employers and employees over the scope of changes to a person’s job description if they return to work with a fit note. The government says it is implementing the new system after consulting employers, who found managing sickness a challenge under the old system.

More than 2.6 million Britons are on incapacity benefit. Sick leave is said to cost the economy £100bn and about 172 million working days a year.

Source the Guardian