News

‘Fit notes’ to replace sick notes

Gainsborough-based firm of solicitors, Burton and Dyson, is advising business owners about the new ‘fit note’ scheme, which came into effect this month and could save businesses up to £240million over the following ten years.

Fit notes, which were introduced on 6 April, are designed to encourage employees to stay in work, rather than taking long-term sickness leave, and make it easier to return to the workplace after a period of illness.

Philip Westcott from Burton and Dyson said “The new computer-generated forms will replace the old system of handwritten sick notes and are designed to highlight what sort of tasks employees can still perform, rather than simply stating they are too ill to work”.

Work and pensions minister Lord McKenzie said: “The fit note will reduce the costs employers often have to bear when people are off sick for a long time.

“We know work is good for people’s health. With the right support in place, employers and doctors can work with employees to help them get back to work sooner.”

The government’s own figures estimate that ill health costs the British economy around £100billion annually, with around 600,000 people submitting incapacity benefit claims every year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has produced guidelines on the new scheme for employers and employees, which can be found at www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote. A special advice line will also be set up soon to help small firms with a range of occupational health issues.

For more information, contact Burton and Dyson on 01427 610761.