Fit note checklist

Fit notes are issued by GPs to advise people who are on sick leave for over seven days whether, with additional support from their employer, they could return to work. However, any return may result in health and safety issues if there is any degree of incapacity. Use our Fit Note Checklist to help you to identify such issues.

How to use the checklist

When a fit note is received you should answer the first three questions on our checklist relating to information that should have been included by the GP. If you answer “yes” to the questions, then you are prompted to arrange a return to work interview with the member of staff. The next questions relate to issues that may have been recommended by the GP. The answers will highlight any health and safety implications arising from the employee’s duties. In each section of the checklist we have provided additional advice and guidance. You should keep a copy of the checklist on the individual’s personnel file.