Statement of Fitness for Work
From 6 April 2010 the current Med 3 and Med 5 medical statements are being replaced with the new Statement of Fitness for Work.
There is strong evidence that long periods out of work are associated with poor mental and physical health, increased use of health services and poverty. The longer someone is off work, the lower their chances of getting back to work. Work has also been shown to have therapeutic value and is generally good for physical and mental health and well-being.
The current format of the sick note does not help doctors to provide information about fitness for work to patients and their employers. Changing the form will enable doctors to provide better advice to their patients about the effects of their health condition and how they might be able to return to work while they recover.
In particular, the reforms will:
- amend the format and content of the sick note so that doctors are able to indicate whether they believe their patient is 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work';
- enable doctors to record further information about the functional effects of their patient's condition so individuals and employers can consider simple changes to aid an earlier return to work; and
- will provide individuals with information about steps they can take which will help them towards an early return to work; and
- streamline the range of medical statements currently issued by GPs.
By improving the information provided, the new medical statement will:
- help inform discussions between individuals and their employers about whether there are any changes to the employee's work environment or job role which could help achieve an early/earlier return to work;
- assist employers in reducing sickness absence and retaining staff and their skills, which is critical to business success;
- provide individuals with information about steps they can take which will help them return to work sooner; and
Changes to the medical statement will be implemented across the United Kingdom.
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