The Sick Note is to be replaced by the "Fit Note" (officially known as the Statement of Fitness for Work).

The Fit Note comes into effect on the 6th of April 2010.

The Fit Note will include:

• Extra space for the GP to write about the impact of the illness or injury on the person's work.
• A selection of tick boxes the GP can use to suggest ways that the employer could help and support the employee's return to work.

The Fit Note has the facility for suggestions such as a phased return to work, adjustments in the work place and working part-time instead of full time.

The main objective of the Fit Note is to give patients and their employers more useful information on how their health is affecting their ability to work.

The Department for Work and Pensions has produced a Guide for Employers (which is in PDF file format). If you are unable to open the document, please go to our Acrobat page to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.