Written question asked by Colin Pickthall (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 February 2005. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what action he plans to take to discourage general practitioners from issuing sick notes that support dubious incapacity benefit claims.

Answer: Mr. Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he plans to take to discourage general practitioners from issuing sick notes that support dubious incapacity benefit claims. [216338] Maria Eagle: The vast majority of GPs provide advice on fitness for work which they believe to be in the best interests of their patient. The Department has recently revised the guidance to doctors about providing advice to patients on fitness for work and appropriate certification. This guidance is supported by case examples and evidence based recovery times and is available on the Department's website. The Department also works with GPs, royal medical colleges and universities in developing undergraduate and post graduate training materials to support doctors in providing appropriate advice.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 431 c613W;431 c609W; 216338
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Applications General practitioners Incapacity benefit Social security benefits Sickness benefits Medical certificates
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk