HR Glossary
Fit Note
What Is a Fit Note?
A Fit Note, sometimes called a “Statement of Fitness for Work” or “doctor’s note,” is a medical certificate issued by a GP or hospital doctor. It provides evidence about an employee’s health condition and whether they are fit to work. Employers use Fit Notes to understand an employee’s ability to carry out their role and to guide discussions about absence, adjustments, or returning to work.
Fit Notes replaced the old “sick notes” in 2010 and were designed to shift the focus from what people cannot do towards what they can do with the right support.
What Information Does a Fit Note Contain?
A Fit Note will typically confirm:
- Whether the employee is “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work”.
- The expected duration of the health condition or absence.
- Advice on adjustments that could help the employee return sooner, such as changes to duties, reduced hours, or workplace adaptations.
- The doctor’s signature and date of issue.
Employees don’t always need a Fit Note if they’re off work due to sickness. For absences of seven calendar days or fewer, employees can usually self-certify. A Fit Note becomes necessary for longer absences.
Why Are Fit Notes Important?
Fit Notes are an important part of managing absence fairly and consistently. They give employers medical evidence to support absence and help shape conversations about an employee’s capacity to work. When a doctor marks an employee as “may be fit for work,” it opens the door to discussions about temporary adjustments, which can prevent unnecessary long-term absence.
They also help ensure compliance with employment law. Employers have a duty of care to protect employee health and safety, and Fit Notes provide a framework for balancing business needs with employee wellbeing.
Common Challenges With Fit Notes
Despite their value, Fit Notes can sometimes create challenges for employers. The advice given is often brief and may not give enough detail to fully understand what support an employee requires. Managers can be left unsure how to interpret the recommendations or what adjustments are realistic. In addition, if processes for recording and tracking Fit Notes are inconsistent, it can lead to poor decision-making, missed opportunities to support employees, and a lack of reliable data on absence trends.
How GoodShape Helps With Fit Notes
GoodShape simplifies the process of managing Fit Notes and ensures they become a constructive part of absence management.
Centralised recording: Fit Notes are logged within the GoodShape platform, so managers have a clear and consistent record of employee absence and medical advice.
Guidance for managers: The platform supports managers in interpreting Fit Note recommendations and ensures they take the right steps in line with HR policies and employment law.
Personalised employee support: When a Fit Note highlights that someone “may be fit for work”, GoodShape helps design tailored support plans that make adjustments practical and effective.
Data and insight: Fit Note information is captured alongside other absence data, giving organisations better insight into the causes and impact of ill health, and helping to target wellbeing initiatives where they will have the greatest effect.
Fit Notes are more than just medical certificates, they are a tool to support employees in returning to work safely and sustainably. Used effectively, they encourage open dialogue between employers and employees, reduce unnecessary absence, and help people feel supported. With GoodShape’s platform, Fit Notes become part of a broader wellbeing and absence strategy, ensuring that both employees and organisations see the benefits.