New Statement of Fitness for Work – 6th April 2010

From the 6th April 2010 the Fit Note (informal name for the New Statement of Fitness for Work) will replace the sick note.

The Fit Note aims to focus on what an employee may be able to do at work rather than what they cannot do.

The Fit Note will still be used as evidence that an employee cannot work due to illness or injury, and the requirements of the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules are unchanged.

What's different about the new Fit Note?

In the past GPs have either said that 'employees should refrain from work' or 'employees need not refrain from work'. The Fit Note offers a new option - 'employees may be fit for work taking account of the following advice'. A GP will be able to suggest ways of helping an employee get back to work. This might mean discussing: 

• a phased return to work
• flexible working
• amended duties
• workplace adaptations

The GP will also provide general details of the functional effect of the individual's condition.

The advice on the statement will not be binding and ultimately it will be the employer’s choice how to act.

What do you need to do?

You need to update your policy and procedure in your company Staff Handbooks to advise your employees of the changes

If you have any questions about sickness absence management or the New Fit Note and how it will work then please do not hesitate to call SOS-HR 01473 276170