The traditional sick note is set to be replaced on 6 April 2010 by a new form of medical statement, called a statement of fitness for work or fit note.  The intention is that the new fit note will help to facilitate an employee’s return to work after illness, thereby reducing sickness related absence amongst the workforce.   

A doctor will be able to advise on the fit note whether an employee is either:   

a) Not fit for work 

OR

b) may be fit for work taking account of the following advice.    

If the doctor advises that option 2 is appropriate, the doctor can suggest ways for the employer to assist an employee’s return to work, for example, a phased return to work, practical adjustments in the workplace, altered working hours or a variation in an employee’s normal duties.   

The doctor’s suggestions are not binding on an employer or an employee, and ultimately it is the employer (and not the doctor) who will be entitled to decide whether any changes suggested by the  doctor and aimed at facilitating the individual’s return to work can be accommodated.    

Also from 6 April 2010, a medical certificate can only be issued for a three month period (instead of the current six months) during the first six months that an employee’s health condition subsists.