A BBC questionnaire sent to over 5,000 GPs in England has revealed that 540 of the 752 respondents have never refused to sign a patient off work for mental health issues.
According to the BBC, the survey also found that 162 GPs had turned down at least one request for a fit note, while 50 preferred not to say.
The GPs who responded to the questionnaire expressed frustration with the current system, with some stating that the provision of fit notes should not be part of their jobs.
Police and Authority Response
No police response was required in this matter, as it involves a survey of GPs and their experiences with the fit note system.
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) stated that family doctors may not always be the most appropriate professionals to provide long-term support to enable patients to return to work.
Timeline of Events
The number of fit notes being issued has been rising, with almost 850,000 more fit notes in the most recent year compared to six years earlier.
Fit notes are approved when someone is unwell or cannot work for more than seven days, and do not have to specify why a person is being signed off.
Investigation Underway
The government has stated that it is testing new approaches to reform the current fit note system, with officials exploring options such as 'stay in/return to work' plans developed with businesses and occupational health professionals.
Jaguar Land Rover is one of 60 companies working with officials to see how this could look, with a focus on preventative measures and support for staff who need it.
Response From Authorities
Dr Richard Peters, JLR's chief medical officer, said firms have a part to play in supporting people with health conditions in work, adding that it's the right thing to do for a more productive workforce.
Tom Pollard, head of policy and campaigns at the mental health charity Mind, said any move towards an alternative system needs to be approached with caution and built around trusting and compassionate relationships.
