Employee's World Cup 'Sick Note' Plans May Be Given The 'Red Card' By New Rules

Online, June 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Whilst the country waits on news of Steven Gerrard's calf or whether Gareth Barry recovers in time to play in South Africa, it may be worth employers getting ahead of the game by tackling the changes to the 'sick note' regime that came into effect from the 6th of April. It will certainly put the employer in control of a game where the employee is considering a long period of 'World Cup fever' and being off work.

The 'fit for work' scheme has been designed to reduce the £17.3 billion estimated cost to the UK economy caused by staff absenteeism by allowing health professionals and employers to look at what an employee can do as opposed to what they can't. So those intending to spend a week or two in front of the action in their favourite armchair may well find themselves spending time doing what they are paid to do.

Under the old 'Sick note' culture, which was first introduced in 1922, employees were either unfit for work, in which case they were signed off by the GP, or they were fit for work, and expected to perform their usual duties.

The new fit note creates the ability for the employee to discuss their condition with the health professional and determine the tasks that can and can't be undertaken and the length of time until full duties can be resumed.

This puts greater emphasis on the employer to accommodate an employee who is returning to work on a 'may be fit for some work' recommendation from their doctor. The employer is expected to assess the working conditions, as well as providing a risk assessment for both the employee and their colleagues.

So with the World Cup looming, where absenteeism rates do generally increase, it is important to understand the new rules and how to apply these correctly in order to address this, so as to not to fall foul of these new changes and reduce the threat of 'World Cup Fever' affecting your workplace.

Tracey Sherwood
HR Consultant
HR Today Ltd

For those employers who want to learn more about these changes, Tracey has produced an innovative video-based online course that is available at www.expertlectures.com The first 5000 people using promotional code 'FIT25' can purchase this course with a 50% saving on the usual costs of £50 + vat.