The Royal Society of Medicine recently carried out research prior to Christmas 2010 to assess GP's vies on the new fit note which was introduced in April 2010 and initially subject to wide scepticism.

The results of the report confirmed that GP's are now coming round to the fit note, stating that it had gone some way to improving the quality of discussions held between patients and their GP's with regards to their return to work.

Furthermore, the report confirmed that the number of GP's who recommend a return to work to assist their patients recover has increase by almost 50%.

Further remarks concluded that GP's now feel that the fit note help patients with a phased return to work, and that the use of this new procedure has affected the way they operate on a daily basis.

Despite employers initial concerns, the fit note has had a significant impact on the health of patients, and almost all GP's confirmed that they felt the new process had benefited their patients.

It is important that employers ensure they have made the necessary amendments to their Sickness Absence Policy to include fit notes.

Back in 2010 when the new note was initially launched, it was a considerable headache for many HR professionals.  Since then however, employees are no longer able to take weeks off at a time with little or no explanation, and these employees are not longer able to slip into long term absence without a justifiable reasons provided by their GP.

In addition to this, HR Teams should review their return to work process and ensure that Line Manager are completing the return to work interview regularly, ensuring that any additional measures that may need to be taken to assist in the employees return to work are discussed in line with the employees GP's recommendations.