A Fit Note (formally designated as form Med 3, the Statement of Fitness for Work) is an official medical statement issued by registered healthcare practitioners in the UK to provide medical evidence of sickness absence lasting more than seven consecutive calendar days.
Authorized Signatories
Following legislative amendments in July 2022, fit notes can be legally issued not only by medical doctors (GPs and hospital doctors), but also by:
- Registered Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
The Two Fit Note Options
A fit note indicates one of two formal medical assessments:
- Not fit for work: The healthcare professional certifies that the employee is completely unfit for any work duties for a specified duration or until a specified date.
- May be fit for work taking account of advice: The healthcare professional advises that the employee could return to work if certain modifications are implemented. Recommended adjustments may include:
- Phased return to work (gradual increase in hours or days).
- Altered hours (avoiding peak commuting hours or night shifts).
- Amended duties (avoiding heavy lifting or stressful tasks).
- Workplace adaptations (special ergonomic equipment or remote working).
If the employer and employee cannot agree on reasonable adjustments, the fit note is treated as assessing the employee as "not fit for work".
Role in Digital Absence Management
Digital absence management software enables employees to upload certified digital fit notes directly from mobile devices, automatically logging expiry dates, calculating Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) eligibility, and alerting line managers to plan return-to-work discussions and phased schedules.
- Author
- PlainStaff Editorial Team
- Workforce Management Editorial Team
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