'Breaking the cycle' | Government launches 'crackdown on sick notes' in return-to-work push

The government has launched a new pilot aimed at cutting the number of people being signed off work through sick notes, with ministers saying too many are being “written off” without support.

Under the £1.5 million WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund, 15 regions across England will test new ways to help people with health conditions remain in or return to work, while easing pressure on GPs.

The scheme - viewed by many as a crackdown on the issuing of sick notes - seeks to tackle a system that, according to government figures, saw 93% of the 11 million fit notes issued electronically last year simply declare the patient “not fit for work”, offering no guidance or pathway back into employment.

Doctors to shift focus as new professionals step in

Ministers say the current process puts too much strain on GPs, who issued 90% of those fit notes in 2023. Under the pilot, other professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social prescribers will be brought in to provide more holistic support.