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<p>Good work is good for health. We know that good work can positively impact people’s
physical and mental health and wellbeing. We also know that tailored work and health
support can help break down the kinds of barriers that can make finding and staying
in a job more difficult for those with mental health conditions.</p><p>In 2023, 24%
of fit note episodes had a known diagnosis and of those, 33% are for mental and behavioural
disorders. We are reforming the fit note process so that it starts with an assessment
of what someone can do with the right support, rather than what they cannot. This
builds on the £795m investment we made at Autumn Statement for additional funding
over five years for mental health services to help support people with mental ill
health to gain and/or retain employment, as well as our successful Employment Advisers
in NHS Talking Therapies programme, which is now being rolled out across England.</p><p>Our
ambition is to bring together preventative healthcare and employment systems to support
people who are at risk of falling out of work or who have already fallen out of work
due to ill health. We continue to work with stakeholders including mental health organisations
and those with lived experience, to co-develop this policy, this includes seeking
insight and evidence via a public <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/fit-note-reform-call-for-evidence/fit-note-reform-call-for-evidence"
target="_blank">call for evidence</a>.</p><p>This work is an essential part of the
Government’s ambition to improve health outcomes, and help people get access to the
support they need to return to, remain and thrive in work.</p>
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