Pictured above: Sally Morris

The government's new "fit notes" scheme could find out a few who are swinging the lead, a lawyer has claimed.

Sally Morris, head of employment for Midlands firm MFG Solicitors, said the changes had been accepted with little fuss.

But she echoed calls from the British Medical Association for more to be done to ensure firms understand their responsibilities.

"What with the General Election, an emergency budget, a whole host of legislative proposals and the economic crisis, a lot of recent legal changes have slipped under the radar of some companies," said Ms Morris.

"In the case of 'fit notes' these represented a fundamental reform and firms need to get up to speed."

The new rules came into effect on April 6, with the aim of saving businesses up to £240 million over the next ten years.

The computer-generated forms replaced the old system of handwritten sick notes and are designed to highlight the tasks which employees can still perform, despite their ailments, rather than simply stating they are too ill to work.

They can be used once the employee concerned has been off work for a minimum of seven days.

Doctors may instead recommend reduced hours, alternative duties or a gradual return to work, such as coming back on a part-time basis.

"It is hoped this will reduce long-term sick leave and make it easier for people to return to the workplace after a period of illness," said Ms Morris. "It is also hoped it will reduce the £100 billion which ill health costs the British economy every year,

"With a push on to make savings in the welfare system it is clear policy is headed in only one direction, and employers will be expected to cooperate."