Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s new proposal aims to revamp the issuance of sick notes by involving work and health professionals, amidst major reforms targeting the benefits system and long-term sick leave.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has sparked debate with a proposal affecting the issuance of sick notes in the UK. Criticizing the nation’s “sick note culture,” Sunak suggests that specialist work and health professionals should take over this role from General Practitioners (GPs) to make the process more stringent. This proposal has been met with mixed reactions from the medical community. While some GPs believe this change could reduce their workload, allowing them more time to focus on other aspects of patient care, others express concerns about the accessibility and appropriateness of such a measure, particularly for vulnerable patients.
Concurrently, the British government, voiced by Work Secretary Mel Stride and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, is planning major reforms to the benefits system concerning long-term sick leave. They highlight that with 10 million Fit Notes issued annually that declare individuals ‘not fit for work’, the system is currently unsustainable. The government aims to transition from a focus on sick notes to an emphasis on Fit Notes, which are intended to help individuals return to work by providing necessary support and reasonable adjustments.
As part of these plans, the introduction of integrated WorkWell services in 15 local areas is outlined, designed to blend work and health support to assist people in rejoining the workforce. These services will receive substantial funding and aim to foster a healthier and more productive environment.
The move has initiated a period of consultation, calling for feedback from healthcare professionals, employers, and patients to ensure effective implementation and to address potential barriers faced by those trying to return to work. These changes represent a significant shift in how health and employment issues are managed in the UK, reflecting the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on long-term sickness benefits and promote overall workforce productivity.
