The Fit Note 



A revised sick note system was introduced in April 2010, known as the Statement of Fitness for Work or “Fit Note”. The Fit Note is used to prove entitlement to SSP (and occupational sick pay, subject to the employer’s own rules). A GP can supply a Fit Note after a face-to-face consultation, or less usually, a telephone consultation, or after reading a written report from another health professional. A Return to Work Plan issued by the Fit for Work Service (see below) can also be used as proof of entitlement to SSP.


Most GP surgeries use an electronic version of the Fit Note which the GP prints off the computer like a prescription and hands to the employee to be shown to the employer. The Fit Note belongs to the worker and must be returned to them. The employer can take a copy, or scan the data on the Fit Note. The Fit Note is not emailed by the GP to the employer. 



DWP guidance for employers on using the Fit Note, Getting the most out of the fit note, reminds employers that Fit Notes cannot be issued for the first seven days, during which employees must be allowed to self-certify, and that any employer who wants medical evidence covering the first seven days of sickness absence must arrange and pay for this themselves. 



Employers are only allowed to demand medical evidence of sickness for the first seven days if they pay occupational sick pay that exceeds SSP.