DWP unveils guidance on new fit notes to be brought in next month
The Department of Work and Pensions has now unveiled its guidance on the new fit notes to be brought in from 6 April 2010.
As mentioned in our February ebulletin , the fit notes will be issued by GPs, and will set out for employers what the employee can do rather than simply stating that the employee is sick / injured and will not be able to work for a certain period.
The main features of the guidance include:
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Replacing the 'fit for work' option for GPs with two options: "Not fit for work" or "May be fit for work taking account of the following advice...";
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Explaining the greater scope for doctors to advise employers on the extent to which employees can fulfil their duties on returning to work;
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Providing a sample fit note pro forma: a 'Statement of Fitness for Work'; and
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A useful employers' flow chart on what to do on receiving a fit note with accompanying case studies.
Employers are urged to download a copy of the guidance from the DWP's website by clicking here.
For further advice please contact our employment specialists at employment@semplefraser.co.uk.
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