From 6 April 2010, the format of medical statements - also known as medical certificates or sick notes - will change.
With the current statement, doctors describe an individual's condition and indicate whether or not they are fit to work. From 6 April 2010, the new statement - known as a statement of fitness for work or 'fit note' - will mean doctors can advise that the patient either:
• is not fit for work
• may be fit for work
A doctor will give a 'may be fit for work' statement if they think that your employee's health condition may allow them to work – as long as you give them the appropriate support.
A GP will be able to suggest ways of helping an employee get back to work. This might mean discussing:
• a phased return to work
• flexible working
• amended duties
• workplace adaptations.
The GP will also provide general details of the functional effect of the individual's condition.
If a doctor uses this option, they will give advice about the effects of the patient's health condition and, if appropriate, some suggestions about the types of adjustment or adaptations you could consider making to help your employee back to work.
While you won't have to act on the doctor's advice in a 'may be fit for work' statement, it may help you make simple and practical adjustments to help your employee return to work and reduce unnecessary sickness absence.
For many employees work means a lot more than just their salary. Studies show that work is good for health; and prolonged sickness absence can produce its own set of problems, such as:
• isolation
• loss of confidence
• mental health issues
• de-skilling
• social exclusion.
Many people with health conditions can, with some basic support from their employer, work as they recover from their condition. This helps the individual because for many people work can help recovery and also benefits the employer by reducing sickness absence.
For help in how to handle situations where an employee presents a ‘may be fit for work’ statement, see our Absence Management toolkit and/or download a more detailed but easy to read guide from the DWP website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/fitnote-employer-guide.pdf.
