Employees can now be signed off work when sick by nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists who can sign statements of fitness for work, also known as a GP fit note. This change has been brought in to ease the burden on GPs.

But what might this mean for employers who suspect that a worker is exaggerating their condition for some reason: perhaps to avoid performance management or disciplinary hearings, or to take advantage of contractual sick pay? Employment Associate Deborah Scales explains.