News

May 2010

As from 6 April 2010 fit notes have replaced GP sick notes.

There is no longer a fit for work option. Instead employers will now receive a statement giving one of two options: 'you are not fit for work' and 'you may be fit for work taking account of the following advice.'

The Government believes it is not the GP but the employer in consultation with the employee who is best placed to make the decision as to whether they can accommodate any changes to facilitate a return to work. GP's will have the option to indicate where a patient may benefit from common changes such as aphased return to work, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations.

Whilst this new sysyem should help employers assess an employees medical condition, they are not bound by the GP's recommendations and will remain responsible for ensuring the employee is fit to return to work under the terms of their contract.