DWP issues updated guidance for GPs on fit notes

The DWP has issued updated guidance for GPs about how to complete each section of the fit note, including the reassessment box, comments section and return-to-work tick boxes.

The DWP has issued updated guidance for GPs about how to complete each section of the fit note, including the reassessment box, comments section and return-to-work tick boxes. The guidance, Getting the most out of the fit note, is based on research evidence and feedback from doctors, patients and employers. It is designed to help doctors make the best use of the fit note to support their patients, using case studies to illustrate different situations. This updates previous guidance, covers computer-generated fit notes and has a section with instructions for gaining further support. The document provides a reference point for employers in circumstances where fit notes do not comply with the guidance, or where employees do not feel they are getting the right support from their GPs, and can form the basis for discussions with employees about resolving the situation.

Content Note

The aim is to provide summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. In particular, where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out full details of all the facts, the legal arguments presented by the parties and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Click on the links provided to access full details. If no link is provided contact us for further information. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, SM&B cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.

Read more

Latest News

Read More

Wellbeing pays: the ROI HR can’t ignore

9 October 2025

Skills

7 October 2025

How to build a skills-based strategy

A key challenge for organisations looking at their skills strategy is getting their job data under control. Discover how creating a single source of truth...

Artificial Intelligence, Globalisation

7 October 2025

Talent strategies for business expansion and growth

Global Expansion 2025: Powerful Talent Management Strategies for a Diverse and AI-Driven Workforce....

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – Human ResourcesSalary: £39,432 to £45,097 per annum (pro-rata) inclusive This provides summary information and comment on the

Harper Adams University – Human ResourcesSalary: £46,049 to £50,253 per annum. Grade 10 This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where

University of Cambridge – Department of Clinical NeurosciencesSalary: £27,319 to £31,236 This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE