FIT NOTES
From 6 April 2010, the fit note replaced the sick note (medical statement or doctor’s note).
The main change is that your GP can give you advice to help you return to work. This is because work can play an important part in helping people to recover from illness or injury.
With the fit note, your GP can choose one of two options to advise that:
The fit note also includes:
Your GP will choose the ‘may be fit for work’ option if they think that returning to work – with support from your employer – will help you.
Your GP can give general advice on the fit note about how your illness or injury may affect your ability to work. You should discuss this advice with your employer to see if you can return to work. For example, your GP may suggest possible changes, such as:
You should talk openly and honestly with your GP about how your illness will affect you at work, so they can give you the right advice to help your recovery.
You should also be open with your employer about what you can and can’t do. If you’re not, your employer may not be able to provide the right support.
If your employer has an occupational health department, they may be able to give you help and advice about going back to work.
Your GP’s first concern will be to help you get well as soon as possible.
Being signed off sick isn’t always best for you, particularly if it means you lose pay or your health gets worse. It can be very frustrating if you know you can still do part of your job, even if there are some parts that you can’t do.
If it’s possible for you to return to work, you and your employer should agree:
Read the answers to more questions about workplace health.
Further information: