The current system sees around 11 million fit notes issued every year, with more than 90% declaring the person ‘not fit for work’, illustrating how ‘broken’ the system is, the government said.

A £3m fund has been allocated to four pilots across England running through NHS WorkWell sites and selected major employers. The year-long pilot scheme will test out the best way to end the current tick-box approach, which does not offer any support or guidance to anyone. The plan is to replace fit notes with personalised ‘stay in work’ and ‘return to work’ plans for employees who fall ill, although the timeframe is not likely to be quick. 

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