Sick as a parrot or fit bird?

Sick as a parrot or fit bird?

"Statements of Fitness for Work" (aka "Fit Notes") came into effect on 6 April 2010, replacing sick notes (forms Med 3 and Med 5).

Unlike sick notes, "Fit Notes" allow the doctor the option of advising that the employee, while not fully capable of performing all normal employment duties, may be able to return to work if the employer offers some support. These may include recommendations such as a phased return, amended duties, altered hours or workplace adaptations; or there may be a recommendation as to referral to an occupational health specialist for assessment.

The new "Fit Note" scheme may help employers and employees in a number of ways. From the employee's perspective, the new option of "may be fit for some work" should result in fewer employees being "signed off" when they could possibly do the whole or part of the job with some support - which can obviously help the employee financially and emotionally.

From an employer's perspective, an earlier return to work could result both in direct savings (from a reduction in sick pay) and indirect savings through reductions in staff turnover, retraining costs and poor staff morale. It should also encourage employers and employees to have an honest dialogue about how they can work together to find an arrangement that suits both parties. Employers are not however obliged to comply with the advice on a "Fit Note"; it is ultimately the employer's decision on how to act on the doctor's advice.


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