Government moves to replace GP's 'sick note' with 'fit note'

Tuesday, 06, Apr 2010 12:25

By Sarah Garrod.

The government has replaced the 'sick note' with the 'fit note' today, in an attempt to get people back to work as soon as possible after illness.

Doctors will now give the new notes to workers who have been off work for more than seven days; detailing whether or not they are fit for work and whether there are certain aspects of their job thy can still perform.

The government said the changes would mean: "With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury."

The fit note will be used across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Manufacturer's organisation EFF welcomed today's changes. Through its chief medical adviser, Professor Sayeed Khan, the group said: "After more than 60 years of using the old 'sick note' the new 'fit note' is the right tool for modern medicine and a modern society.

"To improve sickness absence management we have to change the culture away from what people can't do to what they can do," said Professor Khan. "The new system is a welcome change and, for those companies that embrace it, it will bring significant business benefits."

The Direct.gov website explains that the new fit note will be called the 'Statement of Fitness for Work' and it will have more information than the present doctor's sick note.

The main changes are:

• your GP will be able to say if they think you are 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work'

• your GP can add advice to the note for your employer on how simple changes to the job you do may allow you to return to work earlier

• there will be fewer kinds of medical statements forms issued by GPs.