Changes to The Fit Notes

From July 2022 the Department for Work and Pensions has updated the law for the fit note so that it can now be issued by nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists in addition to doctors. This means that you may be issued a fit note by someone other than a doctor as long as they are discussing your fitness to work with you. These health professionals should be treating your employee under NHS services.

You may notice changes to the fit note you receive from your healthcare professional as a new version of the fit note was introduced in April 2022. The requirement for the healthcare professional to sign the form in ink has been removed and replaced by the issuer’s name and profession.

There will be a period during which both the new and previous version of the fit notes are legally valid.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fit-note-guidance-for-employers-and-line-managers/getting-the-most-out-of-the-fit-note-guidance-for-employers-and-line-managers

Peter Walker

BCSA Director Health, Safety and Training

Email: pete.walkersteelconstruction.org

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