In 2010 the Statement of fitness for work or "fit note" was introduced to replace the MED3 and MED5 system of certifying absence commonly known as the sick note.
When he got there, however, his job coach told him that, because he had a fit note [a note from his GP saying he was unfit for work], he couldn't claim JSA.
The new UK Fit for Work service is explained together with advice on how best to use a fit note to optimise patients' short- and long-term health.
7A similar arrangement is now in place in the UK, in the form of the so-called fit note.
In the fit note, physicians are requested to certify whether a sick worker is unfit or (potentially) fit for work.
Our review aimed to evaluate: (1) the percentage of fit notes utilizing the new "may be fit for work" option or advising on work adjustments, (2) the impact of the fit note on sickness absence and return to work, (3) demographic variation in fit note use.
The fit note, introduced in England, Wales and Scotland in 2010, was designed to radically change the sickness certification process from advising on individuals' inability to work to what they could do if adjustments were made available.
Most respondents thought that GPs should conform to current DWP fit note guidance in fit note use and that fit note training should be incorporated into official training events.
However, there are concerns that the fit note has increased consultation times [ 38] and that GPs are not completing the fit note as intended [ 40].
These findings should be used to inform improvements in fit note use, including revisions to the fit note itself, completion, management, guidance and training.
Until recently, there has been no research on what constitutes an 'ideal' fit note.
