Partner Article

Employers back 'well-note' bid

Earlier this week health secretary Alan Johnson said he wanted to see doctors take a lead in tackling the sick-note culture. He has urged GPs to issue “well notes” setting out what tasks a worker can perform instead of certificates automatically signing them off.

The proposed changes have been welcomed by several business groups, who feel that it heralds the start of a culture change required to tackle sickness absences.

Alison Valente, Assistant Director at manufacturers’ organisation EEF Northern, said: “We need a culture change so that people recognise that work is actually good for you. Too often there is an emphasis on what the employee cannot do rather than what they can do and this system should help us tackle sickness absence in a positive manner by enabling employees to return in a role that suits both the employer and employee. “The burden felt by many doctors relating to sicknotes may also be improved with a drive to use a new more user-friendly system as a means of better communication between employer, employee and GP.”

Mike Emmott, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Employee Relations Adviser, said: “Our research shows widespread employer support for measures that would make a real difference. If government wants to achieve its objectives on welfare reform, it must act to ensure GPs are fully aware of the crucial role they have to play in working with employers to prevent people slipping in to long-term sickness absence.

“All too often the reality today is a quickly scribbled note signing someone off for another period of weeks. This can contribute to long-term sickness absence, and often to extended periods on incapacity benefits.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .