Search

How can we help?

Icon

Beware of the fake fit note!

Just 2 months after they were introduced by the Government in an attempt to combat sickness absence, it appears that the fit new note is open to misuse.

Despite being marketed as being for novelty use only, it has been identified that a website is selling fake versions of the new fit notes.  For less than £10, the website is offering employees authentic looking replica doctors sick notes or medical certificates.  It also promises that the notes will be written on official doctors` notepaper, with real stamp.  Somewhat amazingly, individuals are even being enticed with offers such as “buy one get on free” on blank fit notes!

With commentary suggesting that it may be difficult for employers to tell the difference between a fake and a genuine fit note, it will be important for employers to check notes received carefully.  As certain websites offer individuals the chance to have their notes stamped by doctors from medical centres in any UK city, it is open to employers (if suspicious) to contact the practice which issued the note in order to check its authenticity.

It is also useful for employers to revisit their sickness absence policies to check whether these give them the right to refer an employee to an independent doctor or occupational health advisor.  Disciplinary action can be taken against employees who are found to have misused or submitted fake notes.

It is of course questionable as to the extent to which we will see the fake notes being used by employees in practice, particularly as a recent report (undertaken by the CBI and the drug company Pfizer) has revealed that employees took an average of 6.4 days off sick in 2009, the lowest figure recorded since the CBI poll began in 1987.

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

It is also useful for employers to revisit their sickness absence policies to check whether these give them the right to refer an employee to an independent doctor or occupational health advisor.

About this article

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 27 September 2023
  • Employment

10 top tips for negotiating a redundancy settlement agreement

In today’s financial market, redundancies are unfortunately becoming a reality for many businesses and employees.

Pub
  • 22 September 2023
  • Employment

Talking Employment Law: New family friendly rights

In this first podcast in the ‘Talking Employment Law’ series, Lucy Densham Brown and Rebecca Dowle, members of the employment team summarise some of the big new family-friendly Bills that are working their way through parliament.

art
  • 07 September 2023
  • Employment

Birmingham Council Equal Pay Claims – How did it go so wrong?

This week, Birmingham City Council formally declared itself in financial difficulty. It issued a Section 114 Notice which states that it has insufficient resources to meet its expenditures and is unable to agree on any solution which would provide suitable funding.

art
  • 21 August 2023
  • Employment

Ethnicity Pay Reporting: Government response to the consultation

The Government consulted on a mandatory approach to ethnicity pay reporting in 2018. Which sought views on the benefits of gathering, monitoring and publishing ethnicity data; data handling, amongst other key areas.

art
  • 09 August 2023
  • Employment

A Guide for Employers: Hidden Disabilities in the Workplace

As an employer, identifying and supporting those with hidden disabilities may present unique and complicated challenges, and so we have put together this guide for employers to aid in this complex area. 

art
  • 04 August 2023
  • Employment

Flexible Working Requests: New law

Flexible working is a common occurrence in workplaces in the UK now, with many employees job-sharing, working from home, working flexible hours and more.