Send patients to gym instead of writing sick note, British Health Secretary Wes Streeting tells GPs

  A new government pilot scheme in England will encourage doctors to refer patients to services like gyms or job coaches instead of signing them off as "not fit for work".    

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the current system, which issues 11 million "fit notes" annually with 93 per cent dismissing people as "not fit for work", is a "broken system".    

The pilot, trialled in 15 locations, will fund GPs to employ dedicated teams, including specialists like occupational therapists and work coaches, to help patients return to employment.    

This initiative follows the passage of a Universal Credit Bill in the Commons, which ensures the basic allowance will rise with inflation until 2029/30.    

Recent research shows a significant increase in people receiving employment advice through the NHS talking therapies programme, which assists with CV writing, interview preparation, and workplace adjustments.