The decision to scrap 'sick notes' from April, replacing them with 'fit notes', could cause issues for employers according to experts at Nottingham-based Fraser Brown Solicitors.

The new system, as well as signing an employee off work, will require the GP to suggest changes that could be made to the employees work environment or job role to help them back to work sooner. Employment solicitor Antoneta Fernandes says that while this may reduce the number of days lost to illness, implementing the GP's recommendations could result in difficulties, especially in smaller businesses.

"Asking the doctor to list circumstances in which the employee could return to work, for example setting out what types of activity the employee could perform or changes that could be made in the workplace, is designed to reduce the amount of sick leave taken by Britons - which currently costs the economy £100 billion and around 172 million working days each year.

"But employers will be obliged to take into account these suggestions which, depending on their scope, could be costly and / or mistimed. However they will not be forced to accommodate the recommendations and if they are unable to, the existing fit note will remain evidence of the employee's inability to work. It will be valid for just three months, rather than the existing six."

The swift introduction of the new system has also led to worries that doctors and employers will struggle to get up to speed on the new regulations and requirements in time.