There are varying figures regarding the average number of days off sick in a year with recent surveys ranging between seven and nine days depending on the sector.
nAs things stand at the moment, a self-certification form covers an employee for the first seven consecutive days of absence. After that, the employer is required to obtain a Fitnote – or Statement of Fitness for Work – from their Doctor.
nWhen self-certification was introduced about thirty years ago, there were concerns that allowing employees to certify they were unfit for work would lead to employees taking advantage of the system. Today, most employers have rules regarding the notification of absence due to ill health and employees are often required to complete a form for only one day off. If you have to contact your employer by a certain time and then speak to your employer on your return to complete a form as to why you were absent, this can be a deterrent to taking a day off because you cannot be bothered to go in.
nThe requirement to see a doctor to obtain a Fitnote means that the employee has to make an appointment to see their doctor and with the pressure on GPs this can take some time. In the past seven years it is estimated that there has been a 70 million increase in the number of appointments and it is estimated that there are now 370 million a year.
nTo ease the pressure on overstretched GPs, the British Medical Association has proposed that employees be allowed to self-certify for two weeks and it has also been suggested that other health professionals, such as physiotherapists, midwives, be allowed to issue Fitnotes.
nThere are no plans to change things at present and the BMA is going to debate this further. In the meantime, employers should ensure their procedures are clear and, where necessary, use occupational health and the Fit for Work Service.
nIf you would like further information or support for your business please contact Sheila Watson on 01429 857082. sheila.watson@hartlepool.gov.uk
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