The number of individuals taking sick leave from work may have started to decline, following a significant increase over the past decade. The issuance of “fit notes” by doctors, indicating an individual’s inability to work due to health reasons, surged from approximately 5.2 million in 2015/16 to over 11 million in 2025, largely driven by prolonged illnesses and mental health concerns.
Recent data analysis from 2025 indicates a slight rise in the issuance of fit notes where doctors have suggested that patients “may be fit for work” with certain adjustments. This shift comes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the current fit note system as flawed, emphasizing the need to focus on supporting individuals to remain employed or facilitate their return to work.
Statistics from NHS England reveal that in 2025, a total of 11.17 million sick notes were issued, with 93% classified as “not fit for work” and the remaining 8% labeled as “may be fit for work,” advising a phased reintegration into work with modified hours and responsibilities. This trend suggests a potential reversal in the decade-long pattern, as the number of “not fit for work” notes slightly decreased from the previous year.
Mr. Streeting has advocated for a new strategy to assist individuals in staying engaged in the workforce, introducing pilot programs where GPs refer patients to work coaches or fitness specialists. The aim is to shift the focus from merely issuing sick notes to actively supporting individuals in their work-related concerns.
Furthermore, recent data from the last quarter of 2025 shows a decrease in the issuance of fit notes compared to the previous year, with the North East region exhibiting the highest rate per 100,000 registered patients and London the lowest.
Consultancy firm Broadstone’s 2025 analysis highlights that despite a slight decrease, the number of individuals being signed off work remains notably high, with mental and musculoskeletal conditions being the leading causes. The analysis raises questions about the effectiveness of the current sick note system and the need to encourage individuals to either remain at work or facilitate their return.
Jamie Burdess, a principal consultant at Broadstone, emphasized the importance of evaluating whether the current data represents a plateau at record-high levels or signals the beginning of a shift in workplace sickness patterns. The focus remains on ensuring that the sick note system supports individuals in maintaining their employment status rather than enabling complete workforce exits.
