Fit Notes

The current medical certificates issued by UK doctors have been replaced by a "Statement of Fitness for Work" as from 6 April 2010. The new certificates represent a change in attitude and will require employers to be more proactive in considering what work the employee CAN do as opposed to them just being signed off sick.

Evidence suggests that long periods away from work are associated with poor mental and physical health, increased use of health services and poverty. The longer someone is off work, the lower their chances of returning. Getting them back earlier can help their physical and mental wellbeing and improve organisational effectiveness.

The new fit note is designed to give employees and employers more flexibility in how they deal with sickness absence. This might mean discussing altered hours or a modified work routine. The idea is that all parties (employer, employee and the GP or OH specialist) work together to get the employee back to good health and to work.

It is expected that a significant amount of fit notes will suggest a possible return to work on some basis.  If the GP thinks that the employee could do some work, he/she may tick one or more of four suggested actions for the employer to consider (although you are not obliged to accept). These are:

• A phased return to work
• Altered hours
• Amended duties
• Workplace adaptations.

Click here for a sample form

For more visit BusinessHR or go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote

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