Fit Note guidance for employers published

One of the key recommendations in Carol Black's report on the health of the working age population was the replacement of the existing sick note with an electronic fit note.

This recommendation was accepted by the government and is due to be implemented in April. Ahead of this radical change, the Department of Work and Pensions has published guidance for employers on the new fit note.

The guide contains a number of case studies to illustrate how the new regime should work. The key change is that GPs may now specify that an employee is fit to undertake some work. The new form will also allow the GP to specify that an employer should alter hours, amend duties, offer phased return and make workplace adaptations. The intention is to encourage those who are not at work through illness or injury back to work as quickly as possible and to prevent employees leaving the workforce for good.

The guidance was produced in collaboration with CIPD, EEF, the manufacturers organisation, Federation of small businesses, ACAS and CBI. The guide gives information on the changes to the form and the likely effects on business and workforce.