Government Sets Out New Regulations On Sick Notes

On 10 June 2022 the government set out new regulations providing that pharmacists and nurses (as well as other types of healthcare professional) will be given the power to issue sick notes to individuals in England and Wales, with the change in law to take effect from 1 July 2022.

Employees in England and Wales who are unwell or injured and absent from work for more than 7 days are usually required to submit a 'fit note' to their employer, certified by a doctor, stating that they are unfit to work, or that they "may not be fit for work" subject to certain adjustments or adaptations in their workplace or duties by their employer. During the first 7 days of sickness absence, employees can 'self-certify'. Fit notes can be certified by a doctor providing treatment in a hospital, but ordinarily unwell employees will obtain a fit note from their GP.