“The current fit note system is not working. Too many people who could potentially remain in work are not harming both individual wellbeing and the UK’s productivity. The Society of Occupational Medicine welcomes DWP's proposed fit note pilots, particularly the workability plan. We anticipate that the pilots will generate useful data to help address this challenge and should alleviate some GP pressures and help bridge gaps between employers and employees.

However, to ensure these pilots are effective, it is vital that the non-clinical health and work practitioners who are at the heart of these pilots are properly trained and supervised. These essential activities should involve occupational health experts. Furthermore, there should be clear processes to ensure that workers with more complex health problems are managed by clinical staff with occupational health expertise.

By reducing absenteeism, improving retention, supporting better health outcomes, and easing GP workloads, fit note reform offers clear benefits for employees, employers, and the NHS. With growing attention on the UK’s workforce, an improved and effective fit note system is a critical part of the solution.”

Professor Neil Greenberg, the Society of Occupational Medicine

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For media enquiries, please contact Izzy Pougatch at izzy@atalanta.co or +447712256399

2. The Society of Occupational Medicine is for all healthcare professionals working in or with an interest in occupational health. It is concerned with the protection of the health of people in the workplace and the prevention of occupational injuries and disease. SOM stimulates interest and research in occupational health and works with the government, the healthcare community, health charities and other bodies to promote a healthier workforce. It acts as the voice of occupational health, responding to consultative documents and media enquiries. A national leader in providing continued professional development and education for all working in occupational health, it is a forum for the exchange of ideas and best practice. Visit www.som.org.uk for more information.

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