There was a difference of opinion however as to whether it was achievable for GPs to clarify the duration of recommended modifications on a 'may be fit' note.
"They introduce cookie-cutter bills to see what fits," notes Nikema Williams, the vice-president of public policy for Planned Parenthood Southeast.
There were also differing views as to whether it would be achievable to recommend that GPs must complete the comment section on both 'not fit' and 'may be fit' notes.
The current DWP guidance for employers does not address key aspects such as managing confidentiality, the effect of absence policies on return-to-work, or how quickly employers should attend to 'may be fit' notes.
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.
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 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.
In the fit note, physicians are requested to certify whether a sick worker is unfit or (potentially) fit for work.
7A similar arrangement is now in place in the UK, in the form of the so-called fit note.
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.
