Fit Note Reform ‘A Necessary Step’ 

Reacting to the government announcement on a series of pilot schemes on fit note reform, Hannah Larsen, Policy Officer at the BCC said: 

“This is an important first step in reforming the broken fit note system. Our research shows that one in ten businesses are being seriously impacted by sickness absence. 

“Firms have told us that fit notes often sign people off work indefinitely, without a clear timeline for return, explanation for the absence, or guidance on adjustments.  

“But employers have been reluctant to question the system, leading to missed opportunities to keep people in work. 

“There has also been low awareness that practitioners beyond GPs can issue fit notes. This adds to the delay in getting the right information. So, it is encouraging that government is trialling interventions with wider health support services. 

“Research shows that being able to work is good for health. Fit notes should help people to stay in work, not act as a barrier.  

“They must support people to continue working or start again, helping them to do what they can, with clear timelines and advice for both employee and employer.” 

The BCC’s report, Growth Through People: Making Health Work, proposed a framework for fit note reform that fits employer needs: 

• More time for the employee to be properly examined by a medical expert 
• A clear, understandable reason for why the employee needs to be off work and details on the recovery period 
• Advice on what the employer can do to enable the staff member to return 

Read more latest news from the BCC here.

20.05.2026