A 54 year old office worker has been off work with severe lower back pain for 3 weeks. He asks his GP for a fit note stating he is unfit for any work ...

Question

A 54 year old office worker has been off work with severe lower back pain for 3 weeks. He asks his GP for a fit note stating he is unfit for any work for the next 6 months. Examination suggests non specific mechanical back pain with gradual improvement and no red flags. According to fit note guidance, what is the most appropriate GP response?

Accepted Answer

Issue a statement of fitness for work suggesting he may be fit for work with adjustments, and review regularly

Answer

Automatically provide a 6 month fit note stating unfit for work as requested

Answer

Refuse any fit note because there are no objective signs

Answer

Advise him that only his employer can issue fit notes

Answer

Tell him to remain off work indefinitely until totally pain free

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Fit notes and work capability