How to use the new "Sick Note"

From 6th April 2010 there were a number of changes to the sick note, or “fit  note”, that employees get from their GP to certify sickness absence. This is also called the medical statement or Med3 form. A further change was introduced from June 2012 whereby electronically produced copies replaced handwritten notes. 
 
Previously a sick note simply stated whether a doctor believed that a person should or should not be in work. The new medical statement either indicates that a person is not fit for work, or that they might be fit for work under certain circumstances. The doctor is also able to suggest changes that would assist a return to work. There is no requirement for the GP to write anything apart from that the person is not fit for work and how long the person is “signed off” for, and in most cases the patient and employer will see no change in the information that the medical statement gives. 

In addition the note will be completed and stored electronically by the GP rather than handwritten, although it will still be given directly to the worker to send to the employer. 
 
There is no change to the basic purpose of the medical statement and it will still be used by employees as confirmation of illness if claiming sick pay. 
 
The new form can be found at the end of this guidance. 

Download How to use the new "Sick Note" guidance [PDF]