The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 came into force on 1 July 2022.

This amendment will broaden the number of healthcare professionals who can certify statements of fitness to work, commonly known as ‘fit notes’. Fit notes are issued and authorised by doctors (usually an employee’s GP) following an assessment of their fitness to work. If it’s determined the employee is unable to work, they will present the fit note to their employer during a period of illness in order to receive SSP.

Previously, only doctors could certify fit notes. These regulations expand the range of healthcare professionals to include registered nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists, in addition to doctors.

Therefore, from 1 July 2022 any fit note certified by one of the abovementioned medical professionals can be accepted by an employer as valid proof of an employee’s entitlement to SSP.