Fit for purpose?

legal updates

A client was recently provided with a fit note for an employee claiming to have hurt his neck.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

At the end of March, the Government’s Fit for Work assessment service came to an end, blaming low referral rates.  The advice helpline and website remain up and running offering employers, employees and GPs general health and work advice on sickness absence.

A client was recently provided with a fit note for an employee claiming to have hurt his neck.  The note suggested a reduction in hours for the fortnight’s duration and workplace adjustments which were to limit the weight the employee should lift during the period. 

The fit note also suggested an occupational health referral, but as with many small companies, our client doesn’t have their own occupational health department. 

The whole system is now under review and the Government has announced several proposed significant changes to fit notes, sick pay and, potentially, to occupational health itself.  They have committed to setting up an expert working group to help build the evidence base around occupational health and to consider new funding models and “where responsibility for OH support should fall”.

In the meantime, a small business will need to turn to an external occupational health provider should an assessment be required and referral need to be made.  Employers should discuss this with their insurance provider in cases where an employee has issues due to an injury sustained at work.

A management referral for occupational assessment must be made with the employees full knowledge and consent and the medical assessor should be aware of all relevant facts about the case to ensure that the advice given is meaningful.

The assessor should be provided with a full job description or job tasks in order to fully understand the nature of the work as varying levels of physical and mental capability are required for different jobs.

The report produced by the independent assessor will offer answers to the questions posed in the original referral letter and may contain recommendations for you to consider, such as adaptations to the workplace, phased return to work after absence, and work adjustments.  It is up to you to decide whether or not to implement any recommendations, although reasonable adjustments to comply with the Equality Act 2010 should be made for those with a disability.

InvolutionSTAFF UNIFORM | PROMOTIONAL WEAR | MERCHANDISE | BUSINESS GIFTS

Leading experts in print, promotional clothing, staff uniforms, branded merchandise and PPE. Involution is your brand partner for promotional marketing and workwear, a one-stop-shop for your branded marketing needs for any business size and industry.

Polly DaviesLegal AdvisorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Day 1 Employment Rights

Employees are already protected from day one in respect of wrongful dismissal and discrimination, but a dismissal based on poor conduct, for example, can be effected by giving relevant notice. 

Overview of Contemplated Employment Law Changes

We will continue to keep our members informed as more details emerge and as the timeline for these changes becomes clearer.

Changes to Sexual Harassment Law

In addition to safeguarding employees from harassment by colleagues, the duty extends to third-party harassment, such as harassment by customers.

New government… new laws

The recent announcement means an employee may be able to claim an unfair dismissal from day one. 

When Travel Time Counts As Work

A prudent employer will ensure that the working arrangements, employment policies, or employment contracts clearly define when travel time constitutes paid work time.

Annual Leave for Irregular Hours Workers

The key element here is that the number of worked hours is defined in the contract.

Employment settlements legal advice

We encourage our members to not assume they can reach a mutual understanding with a departing employee.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.