The government has introduced temporary changes to the rules on the requirement for employees to provide proof of sickness to try to reduce the workload of GP’s as they focus on the booster vaccination programme.

Where an employee goes off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days. The temporary change will apply to absences which begin on any day up to and including 26 January 2022 but the usual 7 day rule will apply to absences which start from 27 January onwards.

This change applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

For the latest guidance for employers on COVID-19 click here

 

FIS Employment & Workforce Management Toolkit

FIS members can access a range of services to support them in managing people in their workforce. Some useful resources are provided below, but members can also access our dedicated Employment Law Helpline via 0121 707 0077.