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THE “FIT NOTE” Currently known as a “sick note” (Med 3) this is a proforma completed and signed by GPs to assist employers in determining whether an employee should or should not work on the grounds of ill health or is fit to return to work after a period of sick absence. This form is about to change. How will things change? The Department of Work & Pensions is to introduce new regulations which will add to the current criteria (fit for work/not fit for work) an additional option. The additional option will enable a GP to recommend, for example, a phased return to work, work place adaptations or altered hours. The new form will be known as a “statement of fitness for work”. Why the change? We are told that the change from a sick note to a fit note represents what it is hoped will be a cultural shift in the approach to ill health. The new approach should recognise the benefits to employees and employers from returning to partial work at the earliest possible opportunity. Prolonged absence can build up barriers on both sides to a return to work and a graduated approach can often benefit employer and employee. At the time of publication the date for introduction of the new legislation has not been announced. Whether you are an employer or an employee needing assistance in respect of employment matters please contact Nigel Pepper, Consultant or Patrick Nelson, Associate on 01785 211411. 11 January 2010 Disclaimer The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances. |
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Hand Morgan & Owen is authorised and regulated by The Solicitors' Regulation Authority (50587).
You can access the Authority's rules from their website at www.sra.org.uk/code-of-conduct.page