February 2012 brings you the fourth instalment of ‘Health in the Workplace’, produced in conjunction with Search Office Space – the Office Space Search Experts, and London Laser Clinic’s Consultant Surgeon and Health Expert, Mr Mike Dilkes.
In 2010, Search Office Space was made aware of a new medical statement issued by GPs. The ‘Fit Note’ (which was introduced on 6th April 2010) has replaced the ‘Sick Note’ which many of us have used several times in the past due to illness or poor health preventing work. However, many employers and workers are unaware of the fit note and the changes that come with it, so today, Search Office Space and Mr Mike Dilkes will explain everything you need to know.
What is the Fit Note?
The official term is ‘The Statement of Fitness for Work’, however most establishments have adopted the ‘fit note’ abbreviation. This medical statement is a form given to workers by their Doctor or GP when your health affects your ability to work.
What Does the Fit Note Include?
The fit note is likely to include advice from your doctor concerning how you may be able to return to work, rather than why you should refrain from work. It therefore offers a range of new options which employers can take into account, hopefully leading to your speedy return to work:
- Revised flexible working conditions
- A trial or phased return to work
- Amended duties
- Workplace adaptations
- The fit note will also provide general details of the functional effect of the individual’s health condition.
Why Have the Changes Been Made?
The fit note provides employers with information that will help them ensure your swift return to work, as the note will provide advice on what you can, rather than what you can’t do. For many employees, work is hugely important in terms of income and health, as prolonged absence can cause its own set of problems, such as loss of confidence, isolation and de-skilling. The fit note also allows employers to develop a better working knowledge and relationship with the employee, line manager, GP, occupational health and HR departments. Furthermore, the fit note aims to save £240million over the course of 10 years as it reduces the period of statutory sick pay.
Understanding Your Fit Note
Although the fit note is primarily for advice on helping you get back to work, there are two options that your GP must choose from:
- You are ‘not fit to work’
- You ‘may be fit to work’
The latter option is when the GP will provide further information to your employer to help them ensure your swift return to work. If the first option is chosen, your illness or injury is deemed too server to work under any circumstance for a stated period of time.
Reviewing Your Fit Note With Your Employer
If your GP has stated that you ‘may be fit for work’, you will need to agree certain terms with your employer concerning your return to work:
- What support you will receive
- How this will happen
- How your pay may be affected if your hours or duties have changed
However, in some cases, your employer may not be able to accommodate your new needs. If this is the case, you will not be able to return to work until you have fully recovered. You can therefore use the fit note as if your GP had stated you were ‘not fit to work’ and will not need to obtain a new note.
“Evidence suggests that there are economic, moral and social arguments that prove work is one of the most effective ways to improve one’s health and well-being. Today, within the current economic client, there is growing awareness that long term unemployment or absence from work is harmful to individuals’ physical and mental health. This is why the ‘fit note’ is so important, as it aims to get people back to work in a prompt fashion” says Mr Mike Dilkes.
