Can Occupational Health Overrule GP Sick Notes?

Has an employee recently provided you with a sick note from their doctor to show that they are unable to work? If the answer is yes, then chances are you may be left wondering what your next steps are.

A sick note from a GP can leave employers unsure of what action they need to take before the note expires. That’s where occupational health (OH) can help. Sickness absence management from an experienced OH provider will help support the health and well-being of staff with the aim of reducing the amount of sick leave in the workplace.

If you have been left wondering, can occupational health overrule a GP sick note?, this article will provide you with everything you need to know so you are fully informed and can better manage sickness absence at your workplace.

The Role of Occupational Health

Occupational health focuses on the physical and mental well-being of employees in the workplace. As discussed in our previous blog post, its main aim is to prevent work-related illness and injury by creating a productive and supportive working environment and encouraging safe working practices. 

There are multiple facets to occupational health – including occupational medicine – all of which are aimed to improve employee well-being and protect the health of people at work. The role of these healthcare professionals is to provide clarity and counsel to those managing sickness absence in the workplace. Through detailed medical reports, they can provide an estimate of an individual’s likely length of absence, as well as the measures that should be put in place for their return to work, taking into account both the needs of the employer and employee. 

What Is A Sick Note / Fit Note? 

A sick note or fit note is a statement from a doctor or other healthcare professional that provides evidence of an employee’s fitness for work. It is used to inform an employer if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury.

The Rules on Fit Notes 

Fit notes are issued by doctors to people who are off work sick for more than seven days. They can also be issued by other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The fit note will state whether the employee is either ‘not fit for work’ or ‘may be fit for work’. If the latter, it will include advice on how the employee can return to work, such as reduced hours or altered duties.

When Does An Employee Need A Fit Note? 

According to the NHS, an employee needs a fit note if they are off work sick for more than seven days. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays. The first seven days of sickness absence can be self-certified by the employee by completing a statement of sickness at work. Anything after that requires a fit note from a doctor.

Can Occupational Health Overrule GP Sick Note? 

In general, occupational health cannot overrule a GP sick note. However, there are some circumstances where occupational health may provide additional information or advice that could influence how an employer responds to a GP’s sick note. For example, if an employee has a long-term health condition that is being managed by occupational health, they may be able to provide more detailed information on the employee’s ability to work.

The Overlap Between Occupational Health & GP 

There is often an overlap between the roles of occupational health and GPs. Both are concerned with the health and well-being of employees and may provide advice on fitness for work. However, occupational health focuses specifically on work-related health issues, while GPs have a broader remit.

Here at Healthier Workforce, we offer occupational health assessments specifically tailored to each individual case. Our fit for work medicals ensure employees can fulfil their job roles, and check for medical conditions which could stop them doing the job efficiently and safely. We also offer safety critical medicals which are a more thorough medical assessment for employees working in specialised safety critical roles, such as LGV, plant operators or those handling hazardous materials. 

Our medical assessments determine whether an employee is or isn’t fit for work, and for the latter, they also provide the employer with recommendations on any measures that can be implemented in the workplace for when the employee returns to work. 

To find out more about any of our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team today – we serve businesses across the UK, no matter the size or sector. Alternatively, you can submit an occupational health referral for our clinicians to review and provide a competitively priced fee.