Every year, 10 million Fit Notes are issued declaring people ‘not fit for work’. (Image: Getty)
Fit Notes were introduced to support people back into work, they replaced the sick note because we wanted to create a culture where you are judged on what you can do, not written off for what you can’t.
But every year, 10 million Fit Notes are issued declaring people ‘not fit for work’.
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We must face the reality that the number of people signed off from work on long term sick leave is far too high and quite frankly unsustainable.
It is unacceptable that huge numbers of people are repeatedly being signed off and not given the opportunity to discuss what adjustments could be put in place to help them to carry on in their job.
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It is with this in mind, as the Prime Minister made clear on Friday, we are determined to change the system.
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Instead of signing people off, we’re signing people up for support.
That is why we are bringing forward the next generation of welfare reforms.
We have already overhauled the outdated benefit system by introducing Universal Credit, and now we are building a new welfare settlement for Britain – a Britain where no one gets left behind.
We believe our welfare system is about changing lives for the better.
Because we know that people in work often lead happier, healthier lives which is why it is fundamental to shift attitudes away from sicknotes towards Fit Notes.
And so we will introduce a new Fit Note process, to ensure when people need a Fit Note, it is not just a health conversation, but also a work conversation.
A new process will ensure people get the right help for their needs, reducing pressure on GPs and helping to free up thousands of GP appointments.
This is so important, because we know that GPs want to focus on treating patients in medical need and to see as many people as possible.
The number of Fit Notes issued is rising, and the number signing someone off work for five weeks or more is also on the up.
Rather than signing someone off for weeks on end, we hope to see many able to carry on in their job with more support thanks to these reforms – like a reasonable adjustment or more flexible hours to help manage a condition.
We strongly believe that work is good for you - it gives you purpose and a sense of fulfilment, and the evidence is clear that being in work can improve mental health and wellbeing.
Many others will access the support they may need to get back into work through our new WorkWell services connecting people with the right work and health support available locally, like training, life coaching and other community activities.
WorkWell services will be launched in 15 local areas, equal to a third of the country, to provide integrated work and health support, backed by ￡88 million of funding in total.
This also includes access to NHS Talking therapies which has already linked up 40,000 people with employment advisors to help them back into work.
Our investment in this treatment at the Autumn Statement will mean an additional 384,000 people will be able to access the service over the next five years.
And we are committed to getting these reforms right.
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That is why we’re calling on healthcare professionals, employers, patients, and others to give us their views and work with us.
We are seeking the advice of those who understand the system best, so we can break down these unnecessary barriers to work.
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The fit note isn't fit for purpose
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Through tailored care and reasonable adjustments, we can build a healthier workforce for a healthier economy.
And we will test these new approaches alongside our new WorkWell service.
We will never shy away from tackling the difficult decisions that face our nation, unlike the Labour party.
Labour are a party whose welfare system punished work, and who allowed the number of households who had never worked to double under their time in office. They have no plan for welfare and would take the easy way out every time – spending more taxpayers’ money rather than do the right thing and help people back into work.
It is time to end the sick note culture which is holding Brits back. Too many people are still missing out on the transformative effect a good job can have for both mental and physical health – boosting confidence and social connections – and the financial freedom a pay packet brings.
That’s why we are making these changes - alongside our ￡2.5 billion Back to Work Plan - so we can stop signing off British potential and get Britain back to work.
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