By Paula Fisher
June 22nd 2022
By Paula Fisher
June 22nd 2022
Did you know that from 1st July 2022, a wider range of health professionals will be able to issue certify fit notes?
Employees who are off sick for more than seven calendar days are required to give their employer a fit note, which provides evidence about their absence and any advice on how to support them to remain or return to work.
From the 1st July 2022 nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists will all be able to legally certify and issue fit notes – something that at present only doctors can do. It is hoped that this will help reduce pressure on doctors, particularly GPs, while simplifying the process of issuing and receiving a fit note.
It will still be the case that the healthcare professionals will need to assess the employee’s fitness for work, before issuing the fit note, meaning that they cannot simply be issued on request or via over-the-counter services.
This change follows legislation changes in April 2022, which removed the need for fit notes to be signed in ink, simplifying the process of issuing, and receiving fit notes.
These latest fit note changes recognise the valuable role other professions play in helping manage people’s health, and will enable employees to see the most relevant healthcare professional and have better conversations about work and health.
In the event that you are concerned about the validity of the fit note, you are permitted to contact the relevant healthcare professional to check that it is genuine.
For further guidance on managing absence, please visit www.yourhr.guide.
Fiona Haworth
You can contact Fiona on [email protected]
If you feel that you need guidance or advice on this matter, please call Practical HR on 01702 216573 or email Fiona on the above.