'Well note' scheme 'seriously flawed'
Tue 26 Feb 2008
The proposal that doctors should produce a 'well note' for employees is seriously flawed, a law firm has told onrec.com. Health secretary Alan Johnson has encouraged doctors to outline the tasks an employer can perform, instead of just having them signed off work altogether. However, GPs can refrain from giving details if they believe it is not in their patients' interests. Brian Rogers, operations director, at Lewis Hymanson Small says the rules need to be overhauled: "If doctors use this opt-out, and they do, how can employers be sure that what is on the sick note is the true reason for the employee's absence and take the appropriate action to try and help them?" Mr Rogers believes there is plenty of legislation to protect employees from "unscrupulous employers who may react negatively if given the true reason for the absence". Employers commonly require employees to produce sick notes if they have been off work for longer than an agreed period.
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