The government has made temporary changes to absence certification rules so here is a brief guide on how:
From 10th December 2021, employees only need to contact a GP surgery for a MED3 / Fit note / Sick note after 28 days of being away from work due to illness.
They do not need to provide their employer with proof of illness unless they have been unwell for more than 28 days.
At Day 29 employees must provide their employer with a note from their GP, this is called a ‘Fit note’ or MED3. To obtain one, they must contact their GP at day 29 for a clinical assessment.
For the first 28 days of illness, employees can self-certificate.
OH has a big part to play here to help assuage employers’ worst fears that this may be open to abuse or that employees may not be getting the support they need when unwell. We can assist by arranging an absence consultation with your employee prior to the 28 days. This gives you insight into the absence, a report on its causes and reminds on your dashboard we have added the option “Sickness Absence Advice Referral” under Management Referral.
Government guidance and information can be found here: