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‘Fit note’ replaces ‘sick note’, but has not yet improved absence levels

3 Jan 12

The recent notion of the ‘fitness to work’ or ‘fit note’ has provided the opportunity for managers to discuss how to help get their staff back to work after long-term absence.

These findings from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)/Simplyhealth Absence Management survey, has found that 52 per cent of employers agree that the introduction of the fit note has enabled line managers to prompt conversations about absence and health issues, with their staff.

The aim of the Statement of Fitness to Work is to encourage more employees with health problems to agree with their employer a phased return-to-work, such as reduced hours or the use of varied duties, as part of their rehabilitation and recovery.

CIPD Adviser, Dr Jill Miller said, “Our research reveals the value fit notes can have. However, the survey suggests the fit note has yet to have a real impact on reducing absence levels.

“This is perhaps not surprising considering the culture change needed by GPs, employers and employees to ensure that a phased return-to-work is more frequently regarded as a positive and integral part of employees’ rehabilitation and recovery.”

The survey revealed that the majority of employers (87%) have used the fit note in their organisations, though it was found that in smaller businesses of less than 50 employees, it was not as common with just 54 per cent taking part.

With just one in ten respondents (11%) saying the fit note had reduced absence in the work place, and with the same number of employers believing the fit note is being used effectively by GPs, there seems to be a divide between employers’ needs and current outcomes. 



Dr Jill Miller adds, “We are seeing some positive reviews of the fit note from GPs, but employers do not share such a warm view at present.”

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