REVEALED: 55 workers a day signed off sick in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as doctors note numbers rise

The number was up compared to 2016 with GPs in the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) covering the area issuing 19,976 notes, an increase of 333.

People in work need a fit note, previously called a sick note, if they are off work for more than seven days. Up to that point they can self-certify that they are unwell.

Across England, 5.8 million fit notes were handed out in 2017. The most recent data, for December last year, shows that the highest rate for notes given to patients of working age registered with a GP was in Knowsley on Merseyside. The lowest rate was in Richmond in London.

NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG had one of the 20 lowest rates last December among the 170 CCG areas where data is available for the past two years.

Despite being called fit notes, most of those issued classify people as unfit for work. This was the case for 94% of the notes in 2017.

However, fit notes are also used to advise patients and their employers on getting back to work. This includes recommendations for an employee to make a phased return or work reduced hours or with limited duties.

The most common reasons that doctors signed people off work in 2017 were mental and behavioural disorders, particularly stress, and back problems.

Women were signed off sick more than men. They received 57% of the fit notes last year.