| Although this year is going to be dominated by the | | | | April 2010. |
| coming General Election, with the last possible date on | | | | These Regulations are designed to improve the |
| which it can be held being 3rd June 2010 there are | | | | perennial problem of absenteeism, which affects every |
| already legislation changes and new legislation which | | | | employer throughout the UK. The format of the |
| will come into force prior to the General Election. As | | | | medical certificates will change and the rules in respect |
| you may be aware, there are two dates in a year | | | | of the completion of the certificates will also be |
| when legislation is likely to change; these are usually | | | | amended. Doctors will be able to specify whether their |
| 6th April and 1st October. | | | | patient in unfit to work or may be able to work with |
| During April, there are a number of legislative changes | | | | appropriate support if available. The Regulations will |
| planned to come into force. | | | | also reduce the number of different medical |
| You may have noticed comment in the press about | | | | statements available for doctors to issue. The end of |
| so-called "fit notes". The Social Security (Medical | | | | meaning fewer statements like, "General Debility" is |
| Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) | | | | insight! It will also be possible, in certain circumstances, |
| Amendment Regulations 2010 come in to force on 6th | | | | for employers to contact doctors direct. |