Preventing long-term absence (From Harrow Times)

Preventing long-term absence

2:01pm Friday 26th February 2010 in

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People off work sick will get the support they need to get back to work earlier, thanks to the introduction of the fit note. Used in place of the traditional sick note, the fit note is set to cut the cost of sick leave for employers and is expected to benefit the British economy by an estimated £240 million over the next ten years.

From April 6, doctors will be able to advise if a patient “may be fit for work” and offer advice on the effects of their health condition.

Doctors will have the option to advise that their patient would be able to work, subject to the employer’s agreement, if temporary changes such as reduced working hours or amended duties could be accommodated.

Lord McKenzie, Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions says: “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.”

Guidance on the fit note has been published following extensive consultation with business groups and medical representatives. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging employers and doctors to visit the website www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote to find out more.

Making simple, practical adjustments to help people back to work at an earlier stage will benefit both the employer and the employee. This will prevent long-term sickness absences and will also ensure employers do not lose the expertise of their staff.

As small businesses are most likely to benefit from access to further occupational health advice, a new occupational health adviceline is being extended to give every small business in Britain easy access to professional occupational health advice from April 1.