The government has introduced temporary changes to the rules on the requirement for employees to provide proof of sickness to try to reduce the workload of GP’s as they focus on the booster vaccination programme.
Where an employee goes off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days. The temporary change will apply to absences which begin on any day up to and including 26 January 2022 but the usual 7 day rule will apply to absences which start from 27 January onwards.
This change applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
If you’ve got any questions about how this might affect your business, especially as the country sees a spike in cases involving the new omicron variant, you can call our advice line 24/7 on 0345 844 4848.
Stay safe,
Legal Update
21 December 2021