Skip Navigation | Change Text Size A A A | Colour Scheme
The well known system of GPs signing an employee as being ‘sick' and unable to work is to end in April 2010. This reform will now require GPs to also assess and consider whether their patient is totally unfit for all work, or is fit and able to do some work.
The new Statement of Fitness for Work form (still called MED3) allows a GP to note that, with employer's agreement, the patient / employee may benefit from a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations, and provides space for additional comment. The intent is to provide ways for the employer and patient / employee to facilitate a return to work, if possible. The GP's suggestions are not binding to the employer.
This new process should be seen as a positive move, particularly when supported by employers' return to work interview processes that are key to sickness absence management. It is known that the longer an employee is out of the workplace, the harder it can be for them to return - for a range of complex reasons.
Employers' responsibility under the Disability Discrimination Act remains and should not be confused with temporary adaptations that may be noted on this new Statement.
Spirit HR has experience in managing complex sickness absence problems for clients. This includes significant long-term absence, illnesses captured by Disability Discrimination, multiply illnesses, and ill health absence exacerbated by personal problems that the employee experiences. We work closely with an excellent Occupational Health specialist to provide the best support to the employee and the best information to the employer.
Click the link here to take you to the Department of Work and Pensions website to view a sample of the new form.
For a discussion about your specific absence problems or the new Fitness for Work process, email us or call us on 0845 463 3231.
