FITNESS TO WORK

From 'Sick Note' to 'Fit Note' - A new Approach
Training Session
The law relating to GP provided sick notes is due to change in April 2010.
In place of the sick note a new 'statement of fitness to work' will be introduced.
This training course will help you understand what the key changes are and what the new statement of fitness to work will mean for you, your employees and your organisation.

Business need

All those dealing with sickness, absence or attendance at work will need to know about the changes due to come into force in April.
Acas worked with DWP to produce guidance on the changes, to explain how they will impact the organisation and ways in which those who deal with absence at work can prepare for the new approach.
What will the new approach mean?
Studies show that work can be good for health. Being engaged in work produces benefits beyond obtaining a salary. The Fit Note is being introduced so that the GP can provide simple, clear and practical advice about an employees' fitness to work.
An earlier return to work can bring benefit to both the employee and the organisation. The Fit Note will provide, where possible, the opportunity for employees and their employers to work together to find an arrangement that works for them both.
Fit Notes will give doctors the opportunity to provide written comments and more detailed views which may help guide decisions. For example, the functional effects of the condition and how the employee might best approach a return to work.
Businesses will need to know what these changes mean for them, what new benefits Fit Notes may introduce and how the new approach can be best handled on an individual basis.



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