Review of the Medical Statement (form FMed 3)

In October 2007 the Government announced its intention to review the format of the Medical Certificate (form FMed 3) to help GPs provide more comprehensive back-to-work advice. The revised form will help employers in managing sickness absence by offering advice on positive actions that they could consider taking to help an individual return to work.

DWP has been working with a range of stakeholders, including employer bodies, the medical profession and trade unions, to design the new form. A wider consultation on the proposed changes to the form is intended for autumn 2008. Further information on how you can contribute to that process will be published on our website and in future editions of the Employer Bulletin.

Subject to the results of that consultation, it is expected that the new form will be rolled out during 2009. Guidance on how employers should use the new form will also be made available.