Fit Note

New ‘fit note’ replaces the doctor’s sick note on 5th April

A new ‘fit note’ is being introduced to replace the doctor’s sick note. The fit note will outline what work an employee can do and is intended to help more people stay in work rather than drift into long term sickness.

Fit notes and sick notes

The new fit note will help people to get the advice about staying in work, and if they can’t work what their employer can do to help them return to work sooner. For example, if the employee has a problem with mobility, suggesting a job where they can work sitting down rather than standing up.

Lord Bill McKenzie, Work and Pensions Minister, said: “Employers tell us that managing sickness absence can be a challenge. This is compounded by a ‘sick note’ system that makes sickness absence a black and white issue - either you are unfit for work or you are not.

“We recognise how important it is to help people who are sick to stay in work or get back to work quickly - the new fit note will help do just that.”

The new fit notes have been developed with the support of healthcare professionals, employer representatives and trade unions.