The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the rules surrounding fit notes for benefits claimants, following two significant changes introduced in 2022. These changes affect how fit notes are issued and who can certify them.
What is a fit note?
The Statement of Fitness for Work, commonly known as the ‘fit note’ or Med 3 form, was introduced in 2010. A DWP guide on its website explains what the fit note is and how claimants can use it to have a work and health discussion with their healthcare professional and employer. This may include discussing workplace adaptations or reasonable adjustments to support the claimant to stay in, or return to, work.
The fit note can be issued following a health and work assessment by a healthcare professional, either a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist, or physiotherapist, who may be responsible for the claimant’s care plan. The fit note provides advice to the claimant and their employer about the impact of their health condition, where that may have an effect on their fitness for work.
Two significant changes in 2022
In 2022, the DWP introduced two changes to the fit note system, which it brands as “significant”. The first change replaced the signature in ink with the name and profession of the issuer. This means that claimants can receive their fit note through digital channels, where the local IT system supports this.
The second change enabled nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists, in addition to doctors, to certify fit notes. This means a claimant can receive a fit note from the healthcare professional treating them, for instance a physiotherapist, if it is appropriate for them to do so.
Impact on Statutory Sick Pay
Under government rules, claimants can get up to £123.25 per week in Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are too ill to work. SSP is paid by the employer for up to 28 weeks. Claimants cannot get less than the statutory amount, but they can get more if their company has a sick pay scheme, so it is advisable to check the employment contract.
The fit note can also enable claimants to access health-related benefits or evidence eligibility for SSP. The changes aim to streamline the process, making it easier for claimants to obtain fit notes digitally and from a wider range of healthcare professionals.
