Sick notes not fit for purpose, says architect of the system.
The Telegraph reports that Dame Carol Black, the UK’s occupational health tsar, criticizes the “fit note” system designed to keep people with health conditions in the workforce, deeming it ineffective due to NHS pressures.
Introduced in 2010 to replace “sick notes”, the system has failed to prevent a significant increase in worklessness among those with health issues, with 94% of 7.5 million individuals assessed last year being signed off from work. Despite expansions allowing various health professionals to issue fit notes, the system remains flawed, contributing to high economic inactivity and costs to the taxpayer.
