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Introduction of the new medical statement
The new medical statement or "Fit Note" is to come into effect from 6th April. The DWP is to launch guidance for employers tomorrow (19th February). Guidance for GPs and employees is likely to follow some time over the next few weeks.
Meanwhile the TUC has produced guidance for unions and workplace representatives on the implications of the new procedures. A copy is attached. The guidance will appear on the TUC website tomorrow and, as always, unions are welcomed either to co-badge it or adapt it to suit their own needs.
It is important to stress that, while the principles behind the "fit note" may be sound, it is unlikely that either GPs or employers will be equipped to deal with the changes and the result could be that members are forced back to work before they are ready, or lose out financially, unless unions negotiate changes to existing arrangements and make sure that their employers have access to the proper occupational health advice they will need. Although the changes come into effect from 6th April it is likely that the changes will only happen gradually as GPs get used to the new process.
The guidance will be updated as and when necessary so I would welcome any feedback from unions on problems they experience locally that are not covered in the current guide.
Hugh Robertson
Senior Health & Safety Officer,
Trades Union Congress.
