Absence


Electronic ‘fit notes'

The government published a review last year that proposed changes to the existing and long established sick note scheme run by the Department of Health.  The proposed changes are expected to replace the current scheme and come into force in April 2010. 

The purpose of the scheme is to switch the focus from what people recovering from illness can't do at work to what they can do and is designed to facilitate an earlier or possibly phased return to work.

 The scheme is expected to work as follows:

  • The scheme will operate electronically with GPs notifying employers directly via e-mail about their employees' health matters, rather than issuing sick notes to patients;
  • There will be three categories of ability to work:
    • "Fit for work";
    • "Not fit for work";
    • "May be fit for some work" (GPs can suggest what changes would hasten a return to work. This may include a phased return, amended duties, amended or reduced hours, or adaptions to the workplace);
  • The employer is not bound to implement the GPs suggestions and any changes will need to be agreed with the employee;
  • Employers who do not agree with the recommendation must still ensure they are DDA compliant;
  • Any changes that the employer makes are discretionary, but they may amount to a "reasonable adjustment" under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Employers will be required to review their policies to ensure that they accommodate the new system.



Published by: Lisa on 15/09/2009 - Add a comment

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