|
 |
'Fit Notes' - What They Mean For You
|
Date: 29th Mar 2010
The Sick Note with which we’re all familiar, is changing to The Statement of Fitness for Work or the Fit Note as it has been dubbed.
The Fit Note is a new Medical Statement, which GPs will issue from 6 April 2010 and which will be used in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It replaces the old ‘sick note’ and aims to focus on what employees who are sick in some way may be able to do at work, rather than what they cannot do.
Previously GPs have either stated simply that ‘you should refrain from work’ or ‘you need not refrain from work’. Your GP will now provide general details of the functional effect of your condition and will in effect be encouraged to point out to your employer what work you could do rather than signing you off work entirely.
The main changes will mean:
• GPs will be able to say if they think people are ‘not fit for work’ or ‘may be fit for work’.
• GPs will be able to provide advice to employers on how simple changes could allow for an earlier return to work.
 |
|
