A 50-year-old office worker has been off sick for 4 months with chronic low back pain. He requests a fit note stating he is ‘unfit for any work for an...

Question

A 50-year-old office worker has been off sick for 4 months with chronic low back pain. He requests a fit note stating he is ‘unfit for any work for another year’. After assessment, you believe a phased return with modified duties is possible. What is the most appropriate way to complete the fit note?

Accepted Answer

State ‘may be fit for work’ with advice about adjusted duties and phased return

Answer

State ‘not fit for work’ for 12 months

Answer

Refuse to issue a fit note

Answer

State ‘fit for work’ immediately with no comment

Answer

Write a non-specific note stating ‘off sick’

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Using fit notes to support return to work