AIBU to expect an employee to get a ‘fit note’ from the GP after extended sick leave to ask that the ‘fit note’ ticks the boxes that say for ‘fit for work’ with some adjustments to work task or reduced hours etc.
She had been off for 2 weeks with abdominal pain a year after stomach surgery which to my knowledge all went well and no complications. ( she has returned to work 8 weeks after surgery and no problems - although seemed to be not back to their usual
self)
i had asked her during a welfare call that when she returned to work to ask the GP to confirm they were fit for work with reduced work load so I am confident we are not placing this employee at risk when they return to a moderately physical role. They then messaged me the following week with a ‘not fit to work note’. This is not what I was expecting.
my question is do GP’s ever complete these fit notes with the any of the work adjustments ticked off so they can return to work.
obviously I am not privy to the discussion between the employee and Dr but my best guess is that the employee laid out they were still suffering with their ailments even though after two weeks off and our telephone call they stated they felt so much better and wanted to return to work. This feels like a continual loop of long term sickness!
Any insights from other Employers or GP’s would be greatly appreciated TIA