As from 6 April 2010 GP’s will be required to issue a Statement of Fitness for Work as opposed to the traditional sick notes that have formerly been issued.

The aim is to focus on what the employee can still do in the workplace in an attempt to support them returning to work earlier. The Government anticipate that it shall save the economy £240 million over the next 10 years.

GP’s still have the option to advise that their patient is not fit for work. However, they also have the facility to indicate that the employee may be fit for work if certain advice is heeded. The GP is then able to recommend a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations to enable them to complete their duties and the length of time such changes should apply for taking into account the functional aspects of the employee’s condition.

The advice is not binding on employers and it may be that the employer is unable to provide the support stated. In such cases, the employer and the patient can use the statement as if the GP had advised that the employee was not fit for work.

The doctor is able to make such assessments on the basis of telephone consultations with the employee. They are not required to have seen them. The maximum duration of the statement during the first 6 months of illness is to be reduced from 6 months to 3 months.

The change in approach is intended to reduce the number of employees on long term sick leave, ensure employers do not lose the expertise of their staff and provide more helpful information to patients to discuss with their employer. How they work in practice and whether they successfully achieve their aim remains to be seen.

Posted: February 26th, 2010 under Employment/HR.
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