CHANGES to the way sick notes are given out is likely to make claiming benefits easier for millions of people.
Under the new rules coming in from July 1, more NHS healthcare professionals will be able to legally certify sick notes.
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The move means a patient’s most relevant healthcare professional will be able to provide a certified fit note rather than a doctor or GP.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) says the changes are being introduced across England, Scotland and Wales to ease the pressure on NHS doctors and GPs.
Those healthcare professionals given the extra powers include specialist nurses such as a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) or geriatric nurse, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists.
The move will encompass all general practices and hospital settings.
It comes after the introduction of digital certifying of sick notes in April this year which was designed to “simplify the process of issuing and receiving fit notes,” according to the DWP, and reduce “unnecessary bureaucracy” as the NHS deals with the backlog caused by the Covid pandemic.
A Statement of Fitness for Work, aka fit note, is needed if a person has been off work with an illness for more than seven days.
This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.
It will also make it easier to show proof to an employer for sick pay purposes.
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The move should make it easier and quicker for people to claim sickness-related benefits from the DWP such as the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
People are eligible to apply for ESA if they have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.
Money is provided to help with living costs if they are unable to work and support to get them back into work if and when they are able to.
The allowance is available to those who are employed, self-employed or unemployed.
The move will also provide help for anyone who needs a sick note to claim Universal Credit.
It will allow a person’s main care provider to clearly and fully explain how the condition impacts them.
The DWP can then assess if a person is limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA).
If the person is classified as the latter, it could mean a person could get an extra £354.28 a month for support.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said: “The extension of fit note certification is fantastic news for patients, making it easier for them to get the support and advice they need from the right place, ensuring where possible that they are able to remain in work.
“These latest fit note changes recognise the valuable role other professions play in helping manage people’s health.
“I hope this will also help reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for doctors and general practice more widely.”
What are my rights if I am sick?
Employees are entitled to take time off from work if they are sick.
A worker has to give their employer proof – such as a sick note – if they are ill for more than seven days in a row, this includes non-working days such as weekends or bank holidays, the government’s website states.
Fit notes are free if the employee has been ill for more than seven days when they ask for one.
The doctor might charge a fee if they ask for the fit note earlier.
The fit note will say the employee is either “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work”.
If the employee is deemed “may be fit for work” employers should discuss any changes that might help the employee return to work, such as fewer working hours.
If an employee has been ill for seven days or less they do not need to give their employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a medical professional.
Although an employer may ask them to confirm they have been unwell by “self-certification”.
This may mean filling out a form or sending details in an email.
When an employee changes their holiday to sick leave they’re paid Statutory Sick Pay which will count towards the amount of holiday pay they’ve received – although there are exceptions to this.
Statutory holiday entitlement is built up while an employee is off work sick – no matter how long they’re off.
Any statutory holiday entitlement that is not used because of illness can be carried over into the next leave year.
Employees who are off work sick for more than four weeks may be considered long-term sick.
A long-term sick employee is still entitled to annual leave.
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