29 January 2010

New “fit note” will come into force on 6 April 2010

From 6 April 2010, a new “fit note” will replace a doctor’s sick note. Unlike a doctor’s sick note, a “fit note” will allow a doctor to suggest that a sick employee may be fit to do some work if, e.g. their working hours or job duties are changed.

The new “fit note” can be viewed in the Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 [SI 2010/137].

Also see New guide about "fit notes".

2 comments:

Ruth Jones said...

From 6/4/2010, I suspect that medical certificates will continue to say that an employee is unfit for work if GPs are not trained to use the fit notes.

Tony Trotman said...

I agree.

Para. 8.7 of the Explanatory Memorandum to the Regulations states that:

"Clear guidance and training for GPs will be the key to the successful implementation of the new medical statement to ensure the policy intentions are achieved.

Likewise, awareness of the statement and its benefits will need to be raised amongst employers. Guidance to explain how to use the statement and how it impacts on their duties as employers should be provided."

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