Sick notes 'scrapped' as part of new plans to reduce benefits claims and combat Britain's worklessness

A Government pilot scheme launching in July will remove GPs from the sick note process in certain circumstances, instead directing patients to "social prescribers" who can suggest alternatives to being signed off work.

Under the trial programme, workers experiencing health difficulties will be referred to social prescribers operating within their GP surgeries.

These specialists will connect patients with support options including fitness programmes and employment coaching designed to help them remain in their jobs.

The initiative, according to The Times, represents a significant shift in how the fit note system operates, with the Government seeking new approaches to address workplace absence due to ill health.

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Official statistics reveal that more than 11 million fit notes, previously known as sick notes, were handed out in the past year.

The overwhelming majority certified patients as unable to work, leaving them without additional assistance to return to work.

The rise in "sick-note culture" over the past decade has been identified as a drag on Britain's economic performance.

Fit notes allow individuals to remain away from their workplace, receive statutory sick pay, and in certain cases access welfare payments.

Mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and depression, alongside musculoskeletal problems such as back pain and injuries, account for most long-term absences.

Four distinct trial models will be tested across England from July. In two of these approaches, patients will bypass their GP entirely, instead seeing social prescribers directly who can both issue the fit note and arrange appropriate support.

The remaining two models will still require an initial GP consultation before onward referral.

The trials will also incorporate WorkWell, a coaching programme introduced by the Government in October 2024.

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This scheme provides tailored assistance including physiotherapy and counselling for those who have left work or risk doing so.

A person struggling with depression might receive help from an employment adviser to update their CV or identify flexible working opportunities.

While someone recovering from an ankle injury could be referred for physiotherapy or given access to local gym sessions.

Ministers are under pressure to find solutions that keep people employed as the cost of sickness benefits continues to rise.

In February 2025, approximately 24 million people were receiving at least one form of benefit.

With 10 million of working age, and 800,000 under 16.

The Conservatives had previously attempted to replace fit notes with a coaching-based system, but these proposals fell through following protests from doctors when Labour entered government in 2024.

Sir Keir Starmer subsequently had to retreat from his administration's welfare bill, which sought savings exceeding £5billion through tighter disability benefit eligibility, after facing rebellions from Labour MPs last summer.

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