Fit note system to be overhauled

Patients, employers and GPs are set to benefit from an overhaul of the fit note system following the launch of several pilots. The current system sees some 11 million fit notes issued every year, with more than nine in ten declaring the person not fit for work. Four pilots, in different areas, in England will look at the best way to end this tick-box exercise which does not offer any support or guidance and replace it with personalised stay in work and return to work plans for workers who fall ill.