General background and practical implementation of fitness for work statement in the UK

Abstract

The Statement of Fitness for Work, so called Fit Note, was introduced in the UK in 2010. Physicians issue Fit Note to workers when requested. The Fit Note provides the physician's advice about the worker's fitness for work when he or she has health problems, writing their advice of either "may be fit for work" or "not fit for work" on the form. The Fit Note also records details of the functional effects of workers' condition. Then the Fit Note is used to consider and arrange support from employers in order for workers to return to work. This paper reports the general background and practical implementation of Fit Note based on a literature review and interviews from general practitioners, occupational physicians, and physiotherapists in the UK.