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XpertHR fit notes survey 2012

Fit notes still fail to impress
XpertHR research finds that fit notes have had little impact on absence levels, but have helped many employers to speak openly with employees about their return to work.

Impact of fit notes on absence management
Employers continue to try to make the most of the fit note regime, despite the difficulties they have in interpreting and implementing inadequate GP advice provided on the forms.

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Absence management

Line manager briefing on long-term sickness absence
XpertHR's line manager briefing helps managers understand the employment laws that affect long-term sickness absence, their implications and the benefits of proactive management of sickness absence.

Line manager briefing on short-term sickness absence
Helping managers understand the employment laws that affect short-term sickness absence, this XpertHR briefing examines the implications of these laws and offers advice on how to manage short-term absenteeism effectively.

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Take part in our research

Absence and labour turnover rates
Take part in our confidential ongoing research on absence and labour turnover rates to ensure you receive the most up-to-date figures. Completing it will also entitle you to a complimentary copy of our latest findings.

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Occupational health in-depth

Contracts and occupational health: what you need to know
Contracts are an important business tool and most OH practitioners will need to deal with them as part of their day-to-day practice. We provide an overview of the important points you need to know.

Empowering trauma victims
In this article, Occupational Health magazine looks at how OH practitioners can offer support to employees who have experienced a traumatic exposure.

Improving employer support for staff with mental health conditions
People who have a mental health condition often have access to considerable support. The Mindful Employer initiative looks at the support that is available for employers.

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Occupational health news

› Employers concerned about the health of an ageing workforce	› Screening employees for cancer could be cost effective
› More support needed for depressed staff, say managers	› Higher education staff under greatest workplace stress
› CIPD survey finds fallen absence rates and strong commitment to occupational health spend	› IOSH finds health and safety practice influenced by client expectations

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Latest from our blogs

Conservative MP ordered to pay compensation for unfair dismissal
A round-up of links to news items on employment tribunal rulings in the week beginning 29 October 2012, including MP Claire Perry being ordered to pay compensation to a former member of staff she made redundant.

Best of the HR blogs October 2012
Gender issues, social media "master blasters" and the curious silence of the blogosphere when it comes to reward are just a few of the topics covered in our selection of the best posts from the world of HR blogs.

Unemployment rate has trended at around 8% for more than three years
Unemployment showed a welcome fall in last month's official labour market data release. But despite this fall, unemployment in the UK has been elevated for an extended period.

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Editor's message

FIT NOTES STILL FAILING
TO IMPRESS
We have been tracking the reactions of employers to the new fit note system since its introduction in 2010.

Our latest research echoes our previous findings, namely that GPs are not properly engaging with the new fit note system, are under-utilising the "may be fit for work" category and fail to give adequate advice.

Many employers still feel it is difficult to interpret doctors' suggestions and subsequently implement them. The introduction of the computer-completed fit note should improve the legibility of suggestions, but it will require adequate engagement on the part of GPs to improve the practicality and relevance of any advice given.

Among our respondents, almost three-quarters have made alternative changes to facilitate a return to work, contradicting GPs' advice.

An accompanying report finds that fit notes have not made a significant impact on absence levels, but they have encouraged a more open dialogue between employers and employees.

Noelle Murphy
Attendance and absence, XpertHR

XpertHR Weekly podcast: Disciplinary action; and disability-related harassment

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