DWP releases 'fit note' research
Employment Law & HR update 24/11/2011
New research has been released on the fit note by The Department
of Work and Pensions (DWP) ahead of the upcoming Sickness and
Absence Review.
In order to compile the research, the body questioned numerous
GPs across the country to ascertain their opinions on the fit
note.
The report - which forms one part of a wider scheme aimed at
evaluating the fit note – provides information about how it has
influenced GPs’ certification practice, as well as GP's own views
on the part they play in sickness certification.
Some of the key findings of the report included the fact that
many GPs felt less confident in making use of certain options on
the fit note, such as the 'workplace adaptation' and 'amended
duties' boxes. Some of the doctors questioned also reported a
limited understanding of the difference between the four
'return-to-work' options contained on the fit note.
GPs were also found to be less likely to push for the patient to
return to work if they felt that their job was a contributing
factor in their health condition. However, many also felt that
helping to motivate their patients to go back to work was a key
part of their role and said that the fit note had enabled them, in
some cases, to do this.
Another report – which is due to be published next week as part
of the Sickness Absence Review – proposes that independent
assessors make the decisions on illness absences rather than GPs.
The report is also due to suggest that firms are given tax breaks
for taking on new staff members who suffer from existing conditions
that may mean they are forced to be absent from work.
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