The fit note

Employees in England and Wales who are unwell or injured and absent from work for more than 7 days are usually required to submit a 'fit note' to their employer, certified by a doctor, stating that they are unfit to work, or that they "may not be fit for work" subject to certain adjustments or adaptations in their workplace or duties by their employer. During the first 7 days of sickness absence, employees can 'self-certify'. Fit notes can be certified by a doctor providing treatment in a hospital, but ordinarily unwell employees will obtain a fit note from their GP.

From 1 July 2022, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists will all be able to legally certify fit notes – something that at present only doctors can do. If you’ve been off work with illness for more than seven days, a fit note provides evidence to your employer about your absence and any relevant advice on how to support you to remain in or return to work.

The change, the most significant since the fit note’s inception in 2010, will support and empower better conversations about work and health between employers and staff by making it easier to get this advice certified by the most relevant healthcare professional. This change will be delivered in general practice and hospital settings.

See

The fit note: guidance for patients and employees