Statement of Fitness to Work

Statement of Fitness for Work or "Fit Note"

Did you know that sick notes changed in April 2010.

The Statement of Fitness for Work or "fit note" is a new Medical Statement that GP's will issue from April 2010.  It replaces sick notes and will allow doctors to make recommendations on what employee may be able to do in the workplace rather than simply being signed off sick.  Previously a sick note only allowed a GP to state whether an individual "should refrain from work" or "not refrain from work."  The new Statement of Fitness includes another option "may be fit for work taking account of the following advice."

The note goes on to allow the GP to suggest ways of helping an employee get back to work including:

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

Understand how the changes may affect you by finding out more at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/fitnote-employer-guide.pdf