Fit notes- they aren't working

Employment Law & HR update 13/01/2012

The introduction of the fit note to replace the sick note has not helped to reduce levels of employee sickness absence, according to new research, although it has helped line managers to prompt conversations about absence and health issues with their staff.

Just one in ten respondents (11%) to the 2011 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)/Simplyhealth Absence Management Survey said the fit note had reduced absence in their organisation. The same low number of employers also believes that the fit note is being used effectively by GPs.

Similarly, just short of one in three organisations (31%) questioned surveyed agreed that the fit note helps line managers to manage absence more effectively.

Commenting on the research, Dr Jill Miller, CIPD adviser, said "the fit note has yet to have a real impact on reducing absence levels. This is perhaps not surprising considering the culture change needed by GPs, employers and employees to ensure that a phased return-to-work is more frequently regarded as a positive and integral part of employees' rehabilitation and recovery. We are seeing some positive reviews of the fit note from GPs, but employers do not share such a warm view at present. GPs and employers need to work from the same page, promoting what is best for the individual employee's health and well-being, but also what makes sense for the business. Employees too need to be more forthcoming and willing to enter these discussions. Policy makers, however, should not be discouraged as it may well take five years or so before the fit note is consistently used effectively and viewed more favourably by GPs, employers and employees, to support early and lasting returns to work."

If you would like further information, and already subscribe NatWest Mentor, please call the Advice Service. If you would like more information on how Mentor could help your business in situations like this and many others, contact us today for information.

Next story - Include RTA Statistics under RIDDOR

Previous story - Failings in H&S will soon cost you directly