A new fit-note system came into effect on 6 April 2010 in response to the enormous costs to employers associated with long-term sickness absence. These Fit Notes replaced the old Medical Certificates.
The government agreed to introduce the fit note, after concluding that the “sicknote” system fostered the mistaken belief that employees had to be completely fit to return to work after sickness absence. It hoped the fit note would cut the cost of sick leave for employers and benefit the UK economy by an estimated £240m over the 10 years following its introduction.
The fit note asks doctors to tick one of two options regarding a person’s health – either that they are ‘unfit for work’, or ‘may be fit for work taking account of the following advice’, such as changes in the workplace or phased return to work.
However, doctors are not required to give any detail about the options they tick meaning the employer is left to make the decision in isolation.
Dr Richard Vautrey, deputy chairman of the BMA’s GP committee, has proposed that the self-certification period be extended from one week to two weeks. Included in the proposal is an idea that certificates could also be signed by midwives, physiotherapists and senior nurses.
This has not been welcomed by business who warn that it could lead to more people staying off work falsely claiming to be ill.
The Department of Work and Pensions said it would not alter how sick notes operate. “The system was set up following consultation and we believe it supports individuals and employers without overburdening GPs. We have no plans to change the existing policy.”
