GP fit note crisis: what employers need to do now

The UK’s GP fit note crisis is creating new challenges for employers—especially with day‑one Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reforms arriving in April 2026. Rising demand for fit notes, limited GP capacity, and increasing mental health‑related absences mean HR teams are facing more pressure than ever to manage capability, support wellbeing, and control absence‑related costs. This guide explains what the crisis means for employers, the organisational risks to prepare for, and the steps HR leaders should take now to protect their people and productivity.

What’s driving the GP fit note crisis?

GPs are issuing record numbers of fit notes, with the BBC reporting that many are being signed off without appointments due to overwhelming demand. This creates a perfect storm:

• Limited access to timely medical advice • Increased reliance on sick notes as a default • More long‑term absences linked to stress, anxiety and depression • Delays in return‑to‑work planning • Greater pressure on HR to interpret medical information without clinical support

What the fit note crisis means for employers

Higher absence‑related costs

With day‑one SSP approaching, organisations will face increased financial exposure—especially where fit notes are issued quickly and without clinical assessment.

More complex mental health cases

Stress, burnout and anxiety now account for the majority of long‑term absences. Without early support, cases escalate quickly.

Delays in return‑to‑work planning

If employees cannot access GP appointments, employers struggle to obtain clear guidance on adjustments or capability.

Increased risk of disputes

Ambiguous fit notes can lead to disagreements around fitness for work, reasonable adjustments and performance expectations.

Greater demand for occupational health and EAP support

Employers need faster access to clinical advice, mental health support and early intervention pathways.

What employers should do now

Strengthen your absence management process

Ensure managers understand how to handle fit notes, capability concerns and return‑to‑work conversations.

Introduce early intervention pathways

Support employees before issues escalate—especially for stress, anxiety and burnout.

Provide access to clinical guidance

Occupational health and EAP services can help interpret fit notes, advise on adjustments and reduce long‑term absence.

Train managers on mental health and sickness absence

Managers need confidence to handle sensitive conversations and spot early warning signs.

How HA | Wisdom Wellbeing supports employers

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) • 24/7 mental health support • Counselling and structured therapy • Manager guidance and critical incident support

Occupational Health • Clinical assessments • Return‑to‑work advice • Fitness‑for‑work guidance • Support with reasonable adjustments

Manager training • Mental health awareness • Handling difficult conversations • Sickness absence management

Proactive wellbeing support • Digital wellbeing tools • Self‑help resources • Preventative mental health pathways

Key takeaways for employers

• GP capacity issues are increasing fit note usage • Mental health remains the leading cause of long‑term absence • Day‑one SSP will increase employer cost exposure • Early intervention reduces long‑term absence risk • Employers need clear processes, clinical support and manager training