Fit note linked to fewer people taking long-term sick leave, say researchers

The fit note is linked to fewer people taking long term sick leave of 12 or more weeks, according to a new study from the University of Liverpool.

The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, also found that the proportion of people absent from work because of depression, anxiety and stress has risen by up to 38 per cent.

Cases of mild to moderate mental health issues accounted for almost one in three of the fit notes issued to working patients in the GP practices that took part in the research.

The study also found that cases of sick leave taken for respiratory health problems fell from 10 per cent of the total number of fit notes to six per cent.

The study examined fit note data at 68 GPs’ surgeries between 2011 and 2014 and sick note details from seven GPs’ surgeries in 2001 to 2002.

An accompanying editorial to the study by Professor Raymond Agius, director of the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Manchester, said that more research was needed on the fit note’s effectiveness.

“The jury is still out as regards a corroborated, valid and comprehensive assessment of the effect of the fit note,” he stated.

“Moreover a thorough and systematic evaluation of the effects of the Fit for Work Service is much needed especially considering its potentially very large economic implications as well as effects on wellbeing.”