Guidance is being issued to GPs, explaining the way to use the new "fit note" system that will come into force in April.

Getting time off work for medical reasons is revealed to become tougher, as per the new plans to crack down on skivers which will force doctors to replace sick notes with 'fit notes'.

It is claimed that the fit notes could save the British economy about £250 million over 10 years, and assist to stop people from ending up on incapacity benefits.

More than 2.6 million Britons on incapacity benefit and sick leave now costs the economy £100 billion and around 172 million working days each year.

The British Medical Association widely extends its support towards the new system however, has concerns that GPs will not have the necessary knowledge of the workplace to make recommendations and that employers need to be made cognizant of the changes.

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper quoted that the rules could permit people to return to work sooner with the right backing in place from their doctors and employers.