EMPLOYERS in Bury are being urged to get to grips with this week’s introduction of the new “fit note”.

The fit note replaces the traditional sick note.

It is set to cut the cost of sick leave for employers and benefit the UK economy by an estimated £240 million over the next 10 years.

Guidance explaining what the fit note means for business has been published in close consultation with business groups and medical representatives.

Under the new system, GPs will be able to advise if a patient “may be fit for work” and will offer advice on the effects of their health condition. Doctors will be able to suggest if their patient would be able to work, subject to the employer’s agreement, if temporary changes such as reduced working hours or amended duties could be made.

Ben Wilmott, senior public policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: “The new fit note will encourage more employers to help people with health conditions make an early phased return to work as part of their rehabilitation and recovery.”

Employers can visit dwp.gov.uk/fitnote to find out more.