25/11/2008 - Fit note system to be introduced
In a bid to combat Britain's "sick-note culture" and help people back into work, the Government is to introduce a new system involving electronic "fit notes".
Ministers said plans to "significantly reduce" ill-health at work will see doctors issue fit notes to specify what workers are able to do.
Trials are being held to replace the paper sick notes and the changes are expected to be introduced by 2010.
The system of doctors giving workers a sick note if they are ill has not changed since the NHS was created in 1948. It is estimated that sick leave costs £100 billion per year.
James Purnell, work and pensions secretary, said: "Everyone has the right to work and we want to design a fair system which supports people so they can work when they are able."
Health secretary Alan Johnson said: "Sick leave costs an estimated £100 billion per year, but helping people stay in work does not just have an economic imperative, it has a moral and social one too."
The Government also announced a number of other measures, including a review of the health of NHS workers in a bid to improve their wellbeing.
Copyright © Press Association 2008
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