To free up GP capacity to support the Covid-19 booster programme, the Government has temporarily amended the rules around sickness absence which will impact when an employer can request medical evidence of proof of sickness.
So, what are the new rules? Employees can now self-certify sickness absences for up to 28 days (including non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays) during the period from 10 December 2021 to 26 January 2022. Employees will only need to obtain a GP note if they have taken sick leave for more than 28 days and, consequently, employers cannot request evidence of sickness earlier than 28 days.
After the 26 January 2022 the standard rules around sickness absence will continue as normal. Employees who are ill and start sick leave after 26 January 2022 will be required to provide medical evidence of sickness after 7 consecutive calendar days.
For more information on the new changes please visit the UK GOV website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fit-note
The amendment came into force on 17 December 2021.
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