Fit Note guidance

What is a Fit Note?

A Fit Note is a medical document that a GP can consider giving to you if you are unwell. They will look at how your health condition affects your ability to work right now.

It is important to know that a Fit Note looks at your ability to do any job. It does not only look at your current job.

There are two options a GP can choose from when they give you a Fit Note:

- Not Fit For Work: You cannot do any work at all because of your health condition.

- May Be Fit For Work: You could safely do some work, if your employer can help. For example, fewer hours or different tasks.

If your employer cannot make these changes, the Fit Note is treated the same as if you are “Not Fit For Work”.

Here is an example. Imagine you have a manual job. Your GP says you can do non-manual tasks, but your employer does not have any non-manual tasks for you. In this case, you do not have to go to work. Now think about a plumber who hurts his knee. He cannot do plumbing, but he could do office work instead. So he may be fit for work.

Why your GP may have said no to a Fit Note

It is important to understand that a GP can only give a Fit Note when a medical condition is affecting your ability to work.

A GP cannot give a Fit Note for problems at work, relationship problems, caring for someone, or stress that has not caused a health condition.

Many people feel stressed if they have problems with colleagues, or if someone they love is unwell. But feeling stressed is not the same as having a medical condition.

If you are stressed because of work or your personal life, your doctor may suggest:

- Speaking to your employer or HR department

- Contacting ACAS about problems at work

- Other types of leave you could take instead (see below)

Why being in work can help

Medical evidence shows that work is good for you, even if you have a health condition. Work is not just about money. It also gives you routine, purpose, friendship, and a sense of who you are. You can lose these things if you are off work for a long time.

Physical health – Regular work keeps you active. People who work tend to have better physical health.

Mental health – Work gives you routine and a sense of achievement. Long periods away from work are linked to worse depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Social wellbeing – Colleagues and friends at work are an important part of many people’s social lives. Long absences can lead to loneliness.

Financial wellbeing – Statutory Sick Pay (money paid to you if you’re off sick) is much less than your normal wage. Long absences can cause money worries.

Other types of leave you could take instead

If a Fit Note is not right for your situation, you may be able to take one of these types of leave instead.

Carers’ Leave – All employees in Scotland can take up to one week of unpaid leave per year to care for a dependant (someone who depends on you) with a long-term care need.

Compassionate Leave – Many employers offer paid or unpaid compassionate leave if someone close to you dies, or for family emergencies. Check your contract or staff handbook, or ask your HR department or line manager for more information.

Emergency Time Off – All employees have a legal right to reasonable unpaid time off for unexpected emergencies involving a dependant. For example, if your usual care arrangements break down.

Useful resources for patients about work

ACAS – free advice about your rights at work, sick leave, and problems at work. www.acas.org.uk. 0300 123 1100 

Citizens Advice Scotland – www.cas.org.uk. 0800 028 1456

Employability in Scotland – Person-centred support to help you find work or return to work. www.employabilityinscotland.com