The new 'Fit Note' - Fit for work briefing - Monday 18th Oct

[TrueBlueTerrier]

No. 789/10
Ref EX1
Date: 14 September 2010


To: All Branches


To: All Wales Branches
Wales Regional Health & Safety Forum
Wales Health and Safety Reps



Dear Colleagues

The new 'Fit Note' - Fit for work briefing - Monday 18th October 2010, 9.30 am - 3 pm, Unite Offices, Cardiff

Further to previous LTBs, regarding the new 'Fit Note Briefings' by Regional TUC Offices, a one-day Wales TUC briefing for all trade unionists on the new 'Fit Note' regulations has been announced to take place on 18th October in Cardiff at the Unite Offices.

The new 'Fit Note' was introduced on 6th April 2010 to replace the doctor's sick note. From 6th April there were a number of important changes to the sick note, or medical statement, that employees get from their GP to certify sickness absence. There are issues for doctors, workers, employers, trade unions and Health and Safety Reps. It is important that the implications are understood and that union reps and officers have prepared for the casework that may well follow. This briefing will introduce the TUC guidance for union reps and provide an overview of the new requirements and how they will impact on working people.

On April 6 2010, Government implemented changes to the sick note or medical statement that employees get from their GP to certify sickness absence.
The key to reducing long term sickness absence has 3 components:-

- The first is prevention of injury and illness, both in the workplace and out with.
- Secondly, early access to treatment and, if appropriate, rehabilitation.
- Thirdly, good return to work policies which are worker-centred and which aim to support the worker in the transition back to work.

The new medical statement will still be evidence that an employee cannot work due to injury or illness and normally will not be required until after the 7th calendar day of sickness. The changes will be:

The form will have two options. That the patient is 'not fit for work' or that the patient 'may be fit for work taking into account of the following advice'. There will be 4 types of alternations listed which the GP can tick. These are:

- A phased return to work
- Altered hours
- Amended duties
- Workplace adaptations

There will be space for the doctor to recommend and, as at present, the worker will go back to work once the GP feels they are ready to. There will not however, be an option for the GP to say that a person is 'fit for work'. The Dr will simply not issue a new medical certificate.

This seminar, run jointly with `Wellbeing Through Work` will address some of the following questions that unions may have:

- What if the employee does not agree with what is in the medical statement?
- What if the employers does not take action?
- What happens if the employer takes action which the employee agrees with but after a while the illness or injury is getting worse?
-What happens if the employer says that the employee can come back at reduced duties but a reduced pay?
- Do sickness absence procedures need to be changed?
- What are the implications for occupational sick pay schemes?
- What are the implications for SSP or benefits?
- What is the research behind this change? Is Work good for Health and Wellbeing?- Phil Chick
- What does this mean for the GPs who are being asked to initiate this change in their practice? Dr Sally Venn will be giving us a GPs view of this
- What resources are available for employees and employers if faced with a fit note? Wellbeing through Work will provide a resource to support successful retention in employment.

The seminar will be chaired by Sian Wiblin, President of the Wales TUC.

Speakers will include:-
- Julie Cook, National Officer WTUC;
- Sally Venn, Public Health Wales;
- Phil Chick, Welsh Assembly Government.

Who should attend the seminar?

This event is aimed at workplace reps, branch secretaries, health and safety reps, regional officers, union organisers and other union officials. Please note this event is aimed at those living or working in Wales.

Venue
Unite Wales, Regional Office, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff , Wales, CF11 9SD Tel: 02920 394521; Fax: 02920 390684

Costs
This event is free for all union reps and officers. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

How to register
If you wish to attend the event please register using the online form below. The deadline for registrations is 6 October 2010. Places are limited so early registration is advised as the event may fill up before this date.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-184 ... regional=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Contact
If you have any queries or would like further information about the event please contact Wales TUC on 029 2034 7010 or email jrees@tuc.org.uk

This event is supported by Wellbeing Through Work and its partners:

This briefing will be of interest to both IR Reps and Health and Safety Reps.

The "Fit Note" is primarily an Attendance Procedure issue which will be dealt with by the Industrial departments (See LTB 158/2010 issued by Ray Ellis and LTB 275/20 issued by Grace Mitchell).

However, there may be an important role to play for Health and Safety Representatives in supporting members where the doctor recommends an early return to work or a phased return to work on a rehabilitation plan which includes changes such as amended duties.


Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce

Ray Ellis
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer Assistant Secretary