6th April 2010 saw the UK Government introduce a number of new pieces of Employment Law.
“Fit notes”
A new "Statement of Fitness to Work" will be introduced by the Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations 2010. This will be used as a replacement for the traditional sick-line employees’ are required to submit when absent from work due to illness. The new rules recognise that not all illnesses will result in an employee being unable to carry out all of their contractual duties.
The “fit note” will require GPs to indicate whether an employee is “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work taking account of the following advice...” Where the latter indication is given, the GP will then state what measures an employer could introduce to assist an earlier return from absence: phased return, amended duties, altered hours or workplace adaptations. The government believe this will encourage further discussions between doctor and patient and between employee and employer on the potential options which would allow a speedier return to work.
Other new pieces of legislation include:
The Right to Request Time off for Training
Employment Tribunal’s Power in Whistle-blowing Claims
Additional Paternity Leave and Pay Regulations 2010
If our Employment Unit can be of assistance to you with regards to any of the new legislation, please call a member of our team on 0141 221 1919 or email us for more information.