Electronic fit notes 'could improve numbers in work'
Britain's 'sick note' culture costs the economy £103 billion a year
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Monday, 17, Mar 2008 02:49
Electronic 'fit notes' should replace the current system of paper-based sick notes, the national director for health and work said today.
The proposal is one of a number outlined by Dame Carol Black in her review of how to reduce the number of people on sickness benefits.
She said the fit notes would detail what work people can do, rather than just what they are unable to do.
Her report estimates that ill health costs Britain £100 billion a year and has numerous effects on families.
Other proposals unveiled today include a new Fit for Work service to be piloted for patients in early stages of sickness and for occupational health to be brought into the mainstream of healthcare provision.
"We cannot go on as we are," said Dame Carol.
"There are difficult and challenging messages for everyone, whether they are politicians, healthcare professionals, employers, unions or individuals. All have a shared responsibility for the health of Britain's working age population."
Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA), welcomed the Fit for Work service and said the operation of a fit note system "needs to be carefully examined", including the impact on GPs' workload.
"The GP must continue to act as the patient's advocate, not a policing arm of the Department for Work and Pensions.
"Employers must also take more responsibility for promoting the health and well-being of their staff, including much wider provision of proper occupational health services that specialise in health at work, rather than the patchy occupational illness services that we have at present."
Steve Barnett, director of NHS Employers and acting chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said he "fully supports" Dame Carol's recommendations.
"There is no doubt that work is good for the long-term health of the majority of people and we welcome the focus on keeping people who are in work healthy and getting them back to work if they have been sick," he added.
"Work should be seen as an aid to recovery rather than something to be avoided. We need to expand occupational health services so that they are providing physiotherapy, psychological therapies and workplace risk assessments to the people who need them most."