The following details have been supplied by the TUC:

The system of sick pay and GP “fit notes” is to be reviewed by the government. A draft consultation document published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this week will also examine changes to the controversial work capability assessments (WCA). 

The government said the Green Paper’s scope will include measures “encouraging employers to work with their employees with long-term health conditions to stop them from falling out of work.” It said consideration is also being given to “extending fit notes from doctors to other healthcare professionals to help ensure people receive more tailored support.” 

Work and pensions secretary Damian Green said: “When things need improving, like the Work Capability Assessment and fit notes, we mustn’t shy away from big decisions.” He added: “This Green Paper marks the start of our action to confront the attitudes, prejudices and misunderstandings that, after many years, have become ingrained within the welfare state, within the minds of employers and across wider society.” 

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “The additional cost to the NHS of treating long term health conditions that keep people out of work is estimated to be in the region of £7 billion per year. This means it is vital the health service is part of this new conversation on health and work. This Green Paper launches a wide–ranging debate about recognising the value of work as a health outcome.” He added: “With all the evidence showing that work is a major driver of health, this is a big opportunity – to make sure that people get the support they need, improve their health and benefit the NHS all at the same time.” 

Shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams said Labour would scrap both sanctions and the assessments. She added: “For Damian Green to claim that this Tory government is confronting the negative ‘attitudes and prejudices’ that it has spent six years encouraging is ridiculous.” She added: “I have announced that Labour will scrap the work capability assessment and the Tories’ punitive sanctions; anything less is tinkering at the edges.” Some of the original proposals of concern to unions, including a review of the industrial injuries benefit scheme, have been dropped from the Green Paper.