Med3 Fit Notes

You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting six days or less. Your employer may, however, require you to complete a self-certification form SC1 which is available from your employer.

A new ‘fit note’ was introduced in place of the doctor’s sick note on 6 April 2010. With your employer’s support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

Fit note – changes explained

The new fit note will be called the ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ and will be used in England, Scotland and Wales. It will have more information than the present doctor’s sick note.

The main changes will mean:

your GP will be able to say if they think you are ‘not fit for work’ or ‘may be fit for work’
your GP can add advice to the note for your employer on how simple changes to the job you do may allow you to return to work earlier
there will be fewer kinds of medical statements forms issued by GP