Medical evidence

Employers will need medical evidence, both to determine whether any reasonable adjustments or changes to workplace conditions are needed, and to satisfy the requirements of the sick pay scheme and procedure. SSP sets a baseline by requiring medical certification from day seven, in the form of a Fit Note completed by a GP or hospital doctor.

In 2015, the government introduced the Fit for Work scheme, which allowed for referral for health assessment when absence reached (or was about to reach) four weeks. Fit Notes and the Fit for Work scheme were supposed to create new opportunities to discuss health at work. However, the assessment element of Fit for Work was withdrawn from 15 December 2017 (see page 38).

How or whether employers use OHS services is likely to be a key part of their absence management system (see page 39).