Fit notes’ to replace ‘sick notes’ from 6 April 2010 – new guidance issued

After extensive consultation with medical representatives and business groups, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued new guidance for employers on the use of ‘fit notes’. The guidance can be accessed through this link. Fit notes will be replacing traditional doctors’ sick notes from 6 April 2010, with the existing format of a doctor’s certificate changing so that a doctor will be able to consider not only whether their patient is ‘not fit for work