Pilot test for sick note reforms

The Government are launching a series of pilots aimed at tackling what is being described as the “broken” fit note system.

The four pilots will last a year and will be introduced to GP practices in various areas of England, covering up to 100,000 appointments, with the hope of identifying the most effective method of tackling the steep growth in fit notes being issued.

Commencing in July 2026, there will be four different models in operation:

• Birmingham and Solihull – GPs issue the first fit note, and all patients are referred to a new support service led by non-clinical staff (i.e. social prescribers and work and health coaches).
• Coventry and Warwickshire – GPs issue the first fit note, and patients can be referred to a support service of both clinical and non-clinical staff.
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly – GPs refer patients directly to a non-clinical support service without issuing a fit note.
• Lancashire and South Cumbria – GPs refer patients to a support service of clinical and non-clinical staff without issuing a fit note.

The support service will provide work and health support, encourage three-way discussions between patients, employers and professionals, and look at reasonable adjustments to help patients to stay in work.

The results of the pilot will then help to build legislation and create a more efficient and sustainable system for both patients, employers and healthcare professionals.

If the fit note reforms raise questions about your absence management process, contact Solutions for HR today.