Sick Notes were replaced by Fit Notes on 6th April 2010.
It has become apparent that ''Authentic looking replica doctors sick notes or medical certificates' are being offered on line for as little as £9.99, guaranteed to be received within 48 hours and available to be 'stamped' by doctors.
Employers are being warned that it is very difficult to spot a fake from an original.
It is not clear what impact this will have on businesses or indeed if or how many employees are using them. However, if employees submit a fake fit note and make a claim for SSP, this would be deemed as fraud and in most cases result in a case for Gross Misconduct.
So what can you do about?
If you suspect a Fit Note to be a fake, obtain written permission from the employee to contact their GP to confirm the contents of the Fit Note.