New 'fit notes' to replace sick notes from 6 April 2010

A new regime to be introduced from 6 April 2010 will mean that medical statements issued by doctors will now allow for a consideration not only of whether an individual is unfit for work, but also of whether the individual may be able to do some work based on their doctor's assessment of their particular health condition.

These so called 'fit notes' will replace the current sick notes and will include suggestions for changes which could be made to an employee's work environment or role to facilitate a return to work. A comments box to be included on the new medical statements will also allow doctors to identify any other options they consider appropriate to the individual employee's circumstances.

The introduction of the new system follows the conclusion of the Government's consultation in August 2009 and takes account of some of the responses to the consultation. The removal of the 'fit for work' option and the replacement of the 'may be fit for some work' option with 'you may be fit for work taking account of the following advice' is to acknowledge that it is the employer, in consultation with their employee, who is best placed to make the decision as to whether they can accommodate any changes to facilitate a return to work.

Although the changes have generally been welcomed, there have been concerns raised that, given the relatively short implementation period, GPs will not have had sufficient opportunity to fully familiarise themselves with the new system before it is put into use.