Well-note scheme supported by CIPD

A new government proposal to bring in well notes has been given support by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Outlined last month by National Director for Health and Work, Dame Carol Black, the well notes are aimed at tackling the sick-note culture in the UK.

The initiative would mean GPs will be forced to emphasise what an employee can do rather than what they would struggle to complete.

GPs may be prompted into helping employees phase in a return to work, an Employee Relations Advisor at the CIPD, Ben Willmott, said.

Communication between employers and doctors could also be improved, he noted.

Mr Willmott remarked: 'It will be part of the jigsaw that will help move this agenda forward and provide a better link between GPs and employers for the benefit of their employees.'

According to Dame Black, 175 million working days were lost to sickness in 2006.