In order to ease the pressure on doctors, regulations will come into operation on 1 July 2022, in Northern Ireland, to expand the range of healthcare professionals who can sign statements of fitness for work known as Fit Notes.
Fit Notes are usually required to certify absence for Statutory Sick Pay and Occupational Sick Pay.
Up until now only a doctor could complete a Fit Note but from 1 July nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and pharmacists will be able to certify and issue fit notes.
Employers should consider whether their policies or contracts need updating in light of this change.
Similar provisions will apply in Great Britain.
The regulations can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2022/182/contents/made
Should you require any further information or advice, please contact any member of the Employment Law Unit:-
adrienne.brock@edglegal.com ian.mcfarland@edglegal.com
julieanne.clarke@edglegal.com francis.russell@edglegal.com
Tel: 028 9024 5034
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Every care has been taken in the preparation of this bulletin; readers are advised however to seek legal advice in relation to specific issues.
