Government consults on proposed changes to "sick notes"
22 June 2009
The Government has announced that it will replace the current handwritten MED3 "sick note" used by doctors with a new "Fit Note", which will be available in paper or electronic format.
This is a welcome change for employers as managing sickness absence can be a challenge. This is compounded by a 'sick note' system that makes sickness absence a black and white issue - either you are unfit for work or you are not. It is estimated that the cost to the British economy of working age ill-health in terms of working days lost and worklessness is over £100bn each year .
The emphasis of the new 'Fit Note' medical statement will be to help doctors, employers and employees focus more on what the individual can do, rather than just their incapacity. The proposed change is designed to facilitate an earlier, possibly phased, return to work. The Government has started a 12-week consultation, ending on 19 August 2009, on draft regulations which will amend the medical statement.
The new 'Fit Notes' will roll-out across Great Britain in the Spring of 2010.For more information on the new 'Fit Notes' or to get involved in the consultation contact Lindsey Kidd at ljk@law.uk.com
