Voices: ‘How will this get me back to work quicker?’: Readers fear plans to ‘scrap’ sick notes
The government is trialing significant changes to the sick note system, which may replace GP-issued sick notes with referrals to work and health coaches. Many readers have expressed concerns that these reforms could jeopardize support for seriously ill individuals trying to maintain employment. Critics argue that removing doctors from the process may pressure vulnerable patients to return to work prematurely.
- ▪The government plans to trial changes to the sick note system in parts of England.
- ▪Some patients may be referred to work and health coaches instead of receiving fit notes from GPs.
- ▪Readers fear that the reforms could leave seriously ill people without proper medical support.
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NewsHealthyour views‘How will this get me back to work quicker?’ Readers fear plans to ‘scrap’ sick notesAs the government trials sweeping changes to the fit note system – including replacing some GP-issued sick notes with referrals to work and health coaches – our community have shared fears that the reforms could leave seriously ill people without proper medical support while trying to stay in workFriday 22 May 2026 10:21 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove…
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