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Employer 'best placed to decide if sick employee can return'

The proposed fit note, due to take effect in April, will only permit doctors to recommend that a person may be able to carry out some work.

Rather than confirming that an employee is "fit for work", employers will receive one of two notes from GPs - that an individual is "unfit for work" or "may be fit for some work", Personnel Today reports.

This means that the employer will be left with the final decision over whether an unwell person is able to return to work.

Head of diversity and discrimination at Beachcroft law firm Rachel Dineley told the publication that the government believes employers are "best placed" to make the decision, so long as this is done in consultation with the employee.

"It encourages employers to initiate discussions with their employees," she explained.

"If an employer is not able to facilitate a change or adjustment, the GP's advice on the statement will be evidence that an individual has a condition which prevents them carrying out their current role."

This comes after Dame Carol Black, the national director for health and work, estimated that ill-health was costing the economy about £100 billion a year.