Wellbeing | Lockdown sees more staff signed off with mental health issues

New analysis of NHS Digital data has revealed that the number of people applying for fit notes from GPs for mental health-related reasons increased by six per cent in the first lockdown period in England.

In addition to this, the Independent reported that the latest data found that mental health problems now account for circa four in 10 of all fit notes signed by doctors.

Despite a decrease in the overall number of fit notes in the first lockdown period – between March and June when 26% of the population were placed on the Government’s furlough scheme – the number of fit notes issued for mental health increased by almost six per cent.

Acas explained that a fit note – which used to be called a ‘sick note’ – is an official written statement from a GP giving their medical opinion on a person’s fitness for work.