Statements of fitness for work
Research by the EEF and Westfield Health found that 30% of respondents said that the fit note had helped them, but 11% thought it worse than the previous system and 58% did not think it had made any difference either way. The EEF is calling on the Government to implement measures to train GPs and to encourage more of them to use the "may be fit for work" option on the note. According to the report, only 3,500 out of 41,000 GPs have been trained in the use of fit notes.
It would seem that the more information given to the GP, the better the guidance received back. 23% of employers in the survey had provided information on the type of adjustments they could offer sick employees to help them return to work - they received more helpful fit notes, any more use of the "may be fit for work" option.