Fit note reform pilots get underway: what does the new approach mean for employers?
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The Government announced the pilots in May following its review of the existing fit note system. The evidence highlighted significant concerns from employers: just over a quarter considered the current system effective in supporting an individual's work and health needs, while employers also reported that “may be fit for work” recommendations often lacked sufficiently practical detail. The four pilots, which began in July, are operating in:
- Birmingham and Solihull
- Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
- Coventry and Warwickshire
- Lancashire and South Cumbria
The pilots introduce new Community Work and Health Teams, bringing together health and employment expertise to provide more personalised support. Rather than focusing solely on certification, the approach is intended to develop “Workability plans” with individuals and, importantly, their employers. These plans will consider an individual's capabilities, the support they require, potential workplace adjustments and whether a period away from work is necessary. There are also differences between the four pilot models as some will continue to issue an initial fit note before referring someone for additional support, while others will allow GPs to refer directly to the new service without issuing a traditional fit note.
Additionally, the fit note pilots are part of a much broader attempt to rethink the UK's approach to health and employment. The Government's Keep Britain Working work has identified the need for better workplace health provision, early intervention and stronger connections between employers, healthcare providers and the NHS. Its July update specifically recognised the need to integrate ongoing fit note reform into this wider system.
For employers, the important development is not simply a new form or certificate and instead the potential creation of a more joined-up conversation between employee, employer and health professionals leading to less emphasis on sickness certification alone, and more emphasis on preventing people from falling out of work in the first place.
