The ‘Fit Note’ is provided to give advice regarding the employee’s fitness for work. This document is required when an employee has been absent due to sickness after 7 consecutive days (including weekends). Under seven days, the employee is required to self certify their absence.
Currently the Fit Note is requested by the employee via a doctor. The healthcare professional certifies and issues the document, providing dates of absence, and advice on possible adjustments to support the employee returning to work.
What is changing?
From 1 July 2022, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists will be authorised to certify and issue fit notes. Extending the healthcare professionals available to certify and issue fit notes is reported to reduce the pressure currently facing doctors and in particular GPs, whilst also allowing for a better conversation relating to work and health.
What you need to do?
If you are requesting a Fit Note from your employees, please be aware that the certified documents may be issued by other healthcare professionals (as explained in this article), if it is unclear then speak to the employee to understand where the document has originated from. Reviewing the Fit Note will ensure that the appropriate professional has certified and issued the document.
If you require any advice on how to monitor absence within your business, or have any questions relating to this article, please do not hesitate to contact the Nockolds HR team on 0345 646 0406 or email enquiries@nockoldshr.co.uk