- The government is launching a trial where GPs will cease issuing sick notes, aiming to reduce the number of people out of work due to health issues.
- Initially impacting hundreds of thousands of workers in four locations across England, the new system will refer patients to support services for personalised 'return to work' plans.
- The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) stated the trial will overhaul the current 'broken' fit note system, which issues 11 million notes annually, with most declaring recipients unfit for work.
- Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described current fit notes as a 'dead end' and highlighted the goal of helping people recover faster and stay connected to their jobs.
- While the Royal College of GPs is open to reforms, they stress that any changes must prioritise patient health, be fully resourced, and avoid increasing GP workload; disability charity Scope also called for listening to disabled people's experiences.
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