GPs are being urged to stop signing people off work by handing out millions of "sick notes" and instead send them to the gym or job coaches.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the government "simply can't afford to keep writing people off" with a pilot scheme, called WorkWell, launched so the NHS could ensure people could find ways to work.
The scheme is being trialled in 15 regions with GP surgeries given funding to provide specialist support to patients as well as issuing a sick note - instead of just signing them off from work.
According to The Times, the NHS handed out more than 11 million "fit notes" last year.
That was up from 5.3 million in 2015 and 93 per cent of the notes declared people "not fit for work" with no alternative or plan to ensure they could remain at work or find employment.
Family doctors will liaise with employment coaches who can assist patients with writing CVs and cover letters.
It also includes social prescribing workers with patients to be referred to support, like gym memberships or even gardening classes.
Patients will also be put in touch with charities which help them with issues, including debt management and housing.
The government is hoping to take pressure off GPs handing out millions of sick notes each year
GETTYStreeting said there were "some 2.8 million people" out of work due to health conditions".
He added that it was not only bad for patients, but also for the NHS, and the economy.
"The sick society we inherited costs taxpayers eye-watering sums - we simply can't afford to keep writing these people off," Streeting said.
"This pilot marks the end of a broken system that’s been failing patients and holding back our economy for far too long."
The government is hoping to provide alternative work arrangements for those suffering from mental health conditions
PexelsStreeting said millions of fit notes, which saw people dismissed as "not fit for work" each year, was "not healthcare" but a "bureaucratic dead end".
He claimed the Government was "changing this conversation".
"Instead of GPs sending precious time rubber-stamping people out of the workforce, we're supporting providers to bring in specialists - occupational therapists, work coaches, social prescribers - who can actually help people navigate back into employment while managing their health conditions," Streeting said.
"This is all part of our Plan for Change to move from a system that manages sickness to one that promotes health, work and prosperity."
The worrying rise in "sick-note culture" over the past decade has been attributed to hurting the growth of Britain's economy.
The notes allow people to get out of work, get sick pay, and some claim welfare payments, when available.
Some of the more common reasons for long-term absences are mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
It also includes musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain and injuries.
The new scheme has seen £100,000 pumped into each region and gives GP surgeries dedicated teams to help people find work.
It is part of a the £64million WorkWell scheme - launched by the Government in October last year - and links with support like physiotherapy and counselling, which is afforded to people out of work or nearing leaving work.
Those struggling with conditions like depression could be offered support to find work with more flexible hours as opposed to full-time employment.
Those with injuries could be referred to a physio or get a gym membership as a way of improving their health.
The pilot aims to free up GP time by giving other NHS staff like physios and therapists to issue fit notes and health advice. The government hopes to expand the scheme nationally.
Ministers have said the programme will offer support to 56,000 disabled people and those with health conditions to get into work by spring 2026, with the Government desperate to keep people in jobs.
Employees can self-certify absence due to illness for seven days, however, they require a fit note to receive sick pay for any further days off.