Reform of fit notes and Personal Independence Payment

Fit note reform

A fit note is an official statement from a healthcare professional giving their medical opinion on a person's fitness for work. Fit notes used to be called sick notes.

The Westminster government wants to change how fit notes work in England. Instead of fit notes being issued by healthcare professionals who know their patients, the government wants other, generic 'clinical professionals' to do the job.

It's not clear from the government's proposals who would employ the clinical professionals or where they would work.

In its fit note consultation document, the UK government says that a healthy economy is only possible with a healthy workforce.

We believe that good quality occupational health for all workers is essential. That’s why, in our employment policy position, we called on the UK government to:

• require all employers to provide good quality occupational health
• provide effective and efficient in-work support
• provide comprehensive support for those who can no longer work.

Government listens to our call for PIP reform

The UK government is also planning changes to PIP.

We know people with Parkinson's have been repeatedly failed by the PIP system. They're 10% more likely to be denied their full PIP entitlement than any other group.

We're pleased that the UK government has listened to what people with Parkinson's have told us about their experiences claiming PIP and are planning changes to the current system in England and Wales.

The UK government is also considering whether there needs to be more fundamental changes to the way disabled people, including people with Parkinson's, are supported.

For example, they're considering moving away from paying disability benefits with money directly into bank accounts, to paying people in vouchers or asking those in receipt of disability benefits to provide receipts for the support they receive. 

Finally, the UK government is also thinking about giving the NHS and local authorities a greater role in providing support to people with long-term conditions like Parkinson's. 

When will this happen?

It's important to note that these are just proposals at the moment and may not be brought in at all if there's a change of government.

There will be a general election, possibly later this year and before January 2025 at the very latest.

What we think

Sue Christoforou, Policy Manager at Parkinson's UK, said:

"We don't believe it's appropriate for someone other than a healthcare professional known to the person with Parkinson's to decide whether or not they're fit to work. We believe the power to issue fit notes should remain with healthcare professionals who know the person seeking health advice.

"We're pleased that the UK government has heard our calls to revise the PIP assessment and criteria. While we welcome the news that the UK government is reforming the assessment, any new system must work better for people with long-term, complex and progressive conditions like Parkinson's.

"And, if the UK government is to truly make disability benefit assessments and support better, cost saving must not be the guiding principle.

“We have been concerned about some of the commentary on disability benefits, especially in relation to people with mental health issues. We know that very many people with Parkinson's experience life-limiting mental ill-health. We don't believe the impact of living with mental health issues should be diminished or denied.

"And we entirely reject the idea that benefits should be paid in the form of vouchers or that claimants should provide receipts. Cash provides autonomy, choice and freedom. This must not be compromised."