'Fit Notes' and Fakes

Some employers however remain to be convinced that GPs are being sufficiently clear about the return to work options that are contained within the fit notes, with the sentiment being expressed that the doctor often has insufficient knowledge of the job and the workplace to be able to make accurate recommendations in relation to lighter duties or phased returns to work

This process has not been helped by the continuing ability of any individual to obtain a fake fit note from internet websites. One such site puts its offer as follows

·Next Day Doctors Medical Certificates

·Next Day Sick Certs - Next Day Sick Note Delivered To Your Door

·Real & Genuine Doctors Sick Notes

·With Real Doctors Stamp

·We Are The Internets Only Supplier Of Real Doctors Documents for the UK and Australia- Explain Your Time Off Work Or School With Our Genuine Doctors Medical Certificates

·Available Blank Or Filled In

·Available With Or Without Genuine Doctors Stamp

·Exact Replicas Of NHS Fit Notes (Sick Notes) and Private Doctors Certificates Used In Britain - England, Scotland & Wales

·Exact Replicas Of Doctors Certs Used In Australia

·Don't Be Fooled By American Download And Print Doctors Certs - They Won't Work in the UK or Australia!

·Our Fake GP sick notes are exact replicas of the real thing

·Easy Ordering with Online Secure Payment - Often Cheaper Than A Doctors Visit

The disclaimer that follows this menu states that

Although our products look extremely authentic, they are for educational/entertainment use only. We are not responsible for misuse of our products. Please use our products with caution and care. We do not encourage illegal use of doctor's excuse notes and this is not intended to substitute the advice of legal council. The products mentioned on this site did not require medical council evaluation or approval and there is no guarantee as to the outcome of their use. We do not condone intentional false absence from work or school. We strongly advise you to read our full disclaimer /terms and conditions before using any product bought on this website

The real intention of the purchase of such fakes we can leave to individual interpretation. Whilst the likelihood of use of these fake notes is slim, employers might wish to have in the back of their mind the question of whether any document submitted is genuine and authentic, particularly where there are regular periods of absence with variable reasons or where long term company sick pay is being made. If they have any suspicions there are a number of practical steps that can be taken including the referral of the employee to an independent occupational health advisor or doctor, or alternatively a call to the doctor’s practice that issued the note to check its legitimacy. Clearly, there should be provision within the organisation’s rules to implement disciplinary action up to and including dismissal if any employee is found to have used such fake documents.