"Fit Notes" to replace Sick Notes

From 6th April 2010 the current sick note will be replaced by a new Statement of Fitness for Work, or “Fit Note”.

The government felt that the old sick note format was inflexible as GPs could only say whether they thought their patient was fit for work, or unfit for work. There was no scope within it for the GP to suggest that, subject to some workplace alterations, the patient might be fit for some type of work.

The new “Fit Note” will include:

• Tick boxes,  so that doctors are able to indicate whether they believe their patient is 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work';
• Space for doctors to record further information about the how their patient’s condition might affect their work, so individuals and employers can consider simple changes which could mean that the employee can return to work sooner; and
• information about steps people can take which will help them towards an early return to work.

GPs will also be able to be more flexible in the method by which they assess their patients. They will now be able to base their assessment on a face-to-face consultation, a telephone consultation or a report from another doctor or healthcare professional.

The government hopes that these changes will:

•  help inform discussions between individuals and their employers about whether there are any changes to the employee's work environment or job role which could help achieve an early/earlier return to work; and
• assist employers in reducing sickness absence and retaining staff and their skills;

If for any reason the employer cannot make the changes necessary to support their employee's return to work, they will treat the fit note as indicating that the employee is not fit for work and pay Statutory Sick Pay accordingly.

The upcoming changes are taking place UK wide. They come as the result of a 2008 review into the health of the working age population.

Welcoming the change, Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie said: “Evidence demonstrates that work has a positive effect on health. With the appropriate support of doctors and employers, people will be able to return to work sooner. The revised ‘fit note’ will help to achieve this by providing helpful information for people to discuss with their employer. This is also a good thing for the economy as it can help people to get back to work, rather than to continue on long-term sick absence.”