Employers should note important changes to the manner in which ‘fit notes’ can now be issued by doctors.

‘Going digital’

Believe it or not, until now, ‘Statements of Fitness for Work’ (a.k.a. ‘fit notes’) have required a ‘wet ink signature’ by the issuing doctor. Given the way in which we live our lives, including the frequent use of telephone and video consultations with our doctors, it seems odd that fit notes have needed signature by hand.

In a slightly belated attempt to move with the times, with effect from 6 April 2022, fit notes will no longer require a signature at all. The new form of fit note will simply require the issuing doctor’s details to be included instead. With any luck, this will make the process of issuing fit notes quicker and easier for all concerned.

If you want to see what the new form looks like, follow the link below:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/298/made 

Any questions?

If you have any questions about ‘fit notes’, SSP, sickness absence of anything of this nature, please get in touch.