New UK sick note rules needed because 'too many people being signed off'

New UK sick note rules could be necessary amid a spate of "too many people being signed off". NHS doctors have agreed to 90 per cent of sick notes often with no diagnosis, according to shocking new figures released amid the Cost of Living crisis.

There has been a 292 per cent spike for stress-related disorders, statistics have revealed. The number of fitness to work certificates being issued annually has more than doubled in the past ten years, the research has also found.

A Policy Exchange think tank report says that of those signed off for six months, 80 per cent will never go back to work and has blamed “a de facto system of self-certification”. It accuses GPs of being "too busy" to give proper consultations.

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Report author Sean Phillips said: “Our current approach to assessments of fitness for work is not effective. Too many people are being signed off for periods which may be damaging to their prospects of a return to work.”

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride have unveiled their Back to Work Plan – a package of employment focused support that will help people stay healthy, get off benefits and move into work – as part of the Autumn Statement.

Mr Hunt said: "We’re serious about growing our economy and that means we must address the rise in people who aren’t looking for work – especially because we know so many of them want to and with almost a million vacancies in the jobs market the opportunities are there."

The Chancellor went on and said: "These changes mean there’s help and support for everyone – but for those who refuse it, there are consequences too. Anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers will lose their benefits."