Any healthcare professional who’s a registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist can now issue a fit note. But are they able to sign employees off work for any reason and
give advice outside their areas of expertise?
Published 26.08.2022
An employee whose fit note states “not fit for work” is feeling much better and would like to return as soon as possible. Would their early return invalidate your compulsory employers’ liability
insurance (ELI)?
Published 18.12.2019
You’ve received a fit note from an employee but disagree with the doctor’s assessment and recommendations. Are you obliged to follow what’s been said or can you challenge the advice?
Published 22.04.2016
Many employees will cry off sick at the first sign of illness. But suppose that one turns up who is clearly unfit for work. Could you send them home and insist that they stay there until recovered?
If so, what happens about their pay?
Published 11.03.2011
Whilst some employees will do anything to get signed-off work by their GP, others are reluctant to reveal that this has happened (usually because of financial worries). Do you have the right to be
told?
Published 29.11.2013
One of our subscribers has just encountered their first fit note. But they can’t implement the GP’s recommendations. So they’ve asked us to explain what happens in this situation and if there is
anything else they could do.
Published 11.05.2010
An employee has just been signed off by their GP as being not fit for work. They have sent in their medical certificate, along with a note which says “do not contact me whilst I am off sick”. Must
you comply with their request?
Published 10.05.2018
One of your employees has just been signed off sick by their GP. A colleague claims that as they are considered to be unfit for work you can’t make any attempt to contact them. Is this really true?
Published 09.05.2014
On average, homeworking employees take 2.4 days’ sickness absence each year. This figure is much lower than for work-based employees. If a homeworker informs you that they are unwell, what should you
do?
Published 03.11.2020