A new ‘fit note' designed to help keep employees in work rather than go on long-term sick leave has been unveiled by the government.

The ‘fit note' will see doctors advise patients on how they can stay in work longer and provide employers with advice and information on how to support those returning to work. The note will be subject to a 12-week consultation process before it is introduced.

"We recognise how important it is to help people who are sick to stay in work or get back to work quickly," said work and pensions minister Lord Bill McKenzie.