Fitness for Work Guidance Published

The Department for Work & Pensions has published “Statement of Fitness for Work, A guide for employers“.

Under the new “Fit Note” scheme, there will still be an option for doctors to advise that your employee is “not fit for work” – just like the current sick note scheme. However, from 6 April, doctors will also have an option to advise if a patient “may be fit for work” and offer advice on the effects of their health condition. Doctors will be able to advise that their patient would be able to work, subject to the employer’s agreement, if temporary changes such as reduced working hours or amended duties could be accommodated.

It is hoped that the new scheme will provide employers with better options to manage sickness absences, helping to get staff back to work quicker in appropriate cases. The DWP is urging employers and doctors to visit www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote to find out more.

Filed under: General News, Health & Safety by Employment Law Clinic           Post created on: February 22nd, 2010