fit notes not sick notes?

On the 6 April, fit notes replaced the current medical statement that is used by GPs to sign people off work. The fit note will give a doctor three options, the third of which is new. Those options will indicate if a patient is:

·        fit for work;

·        not fit for work;

·        may be fit for some work.

If the doctor indicates that the patient may be fit for some work, they can then elaborate by indicating that employees may, with their employer’s agreement, benefit from:

·        a phased return to work;

·        altered hours;

·        amended duties;

·        workplace adaptations.

The Council have produced a guide which you can read here or find on the council intranet.