Employment lawyer, David Dixey, takes a look at the recent introduction of digital fit notes.
Formally known as a sick note, it is a document provided by a registered healthcare professional, such as your GP, which advises on someone's fitness to work. Usually you will self certificate for the first seven calendar days, after which a Fit Note will be required. In the event of a delay, an employee should contact their employer on the seventh day of incapacitation to explain the reasons for the delay in obtaining the note.
If either an employer or employee needs advice on the delay, one of our employment law lawyers can advise on a way forward. However, with the change in law, it is anticipated that obtaining a fit note will become easier for those who need them.
Following a consultation, the Government is changing regulations to enable GPs to issue digital Fit Notes. Under current regulations, Fit Notes must be signed in ink by the issuing doctor. The original consultation was in 2019 but the subsequent pandemic has undoubtedly highlighted the unnecessary restrictions posed by the current regulations, not least due to the significant number of virtual GP consultations since the outbreak of covid-19.
From 6th April 2022, Fit Notes can be issued digitally and without a "wet ink" signature from the GP, and the new form will no longer contain a signature box for the GP to fill in.
These changes are being implemented following the 2019 consultation and the Government’s response in July 2021.
If you require Employment Law advice, speak to Holmes & Hills specialist employment law lawyers as early as possible.
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