'Big difference' | Government proposes sick note overhaul to get more people back into work

The government is considering a major overhaul of the sick note process as part of plans to reduce the number of people leaving the workforce due to health issues, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed.

Speaking to The i newspaper, Kendall said that a new review led by former John Lewis chair Sir Charlie Mayfield will examine how businesses can better support people with health conditions to remain in or return to work. 

A key focus of the review will be on reforming the “fit note” system, with ministers concerned that too many individuals are being signed off work without being offered the right support to get back into employment.

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Around 400,000 people fall out of the workforce due to sickness each year, Kendall told The i, adding: “Too many people are being written off rather than actually being provided with help and support.”