Fit rather than sick notes

Following a government consultation last year into the health of the working population, the government intends to introduce “fit notes” to replace the current “sick note” system. This change will be implemented in April 2010 under the Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Amendment Regulations 2010. The purpose of the change is to encourage doctors, employers and employees to focus on what a worker can do, rather than focusing on their incapacity. These new “fit notes” will allow doctors to record whether a patient is fit or not fit to work and recommend adjustments such as a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties and/or workplace adaptations.

Action Steps

Employers need to familiarise themselves with the new proposals of fit notes and amend their sickness absence policies and employment contracts to reflect the changes.