The impending introduction of so-called 'fit notes' will save businesses £240 million over the next 10 years, according to research by the government.
The new rules, which come into force on 6 April, will see conventional doctors' notes replaced by a new fit note. This means that GPs will be required to determine which parts of their job a worker can still perform, rather than simply telling them to stay at home.
If the worker is unable to perform some or all of their responsibilities, the fit note will also provide guidance to the employer about how best they can encourage a swift return to work.
While many business groups have welcomed the new scheme, which they believe will cut down on the number of man hours lost to sickness, others have expressed concern. Some employment lawyers have suggested that businesses could be open to increased risk of litigation as GPs will have the option to assess a patient as being "maybe" fit to work. Small business owners are worried that this could lead to legal problems if employees are made to work too early.
Regardless of this, all firms will have to adopt the scheme by 6 April. There is further guidance available from the Department for Work and Pensions.
