Statement of Fitness for Work – fit note
The fit note was introduced to replace the old sick note on 6 April 2010. Doctors issue fit notes to individuals to provide evidence of the advice the doctor has given about the individual’s fitness for work.
The fit note allows doctors to advise that individuals "may be fit for work" taking into account the doctor’s advice; or are "not fit for work".
Doctors use fit notes to record details of the functional effects of their patient's condition, so that individuals and employers can consider ways to help the individual return to work.
Fit notes can be hand-written or computer-generated and printed out. Fit notes should be issued by hospital doctors if someone is receiving treatment in hospital, or otherwise by GPs.
Guidance on the fit note is available for:
- GPs (572KB)
- Employers and line managers (489KB)
- Patients and employees (443KB)
- Hospital doctors (578KB)
- Occupational Health practitioners (481KB)
More information about printed fit notes is available here:
There is guidance about other health and work issues available for: