Fit (sick) note

[sarawilcox]

• Fit note is now the official term.
• There is some App user research that suggests that users refer to them as "sick notes" and a number of content designers have said this too.
• Google Trends suggests that users search for "sick note" more than "fit note".

Recommendation: Follow the App team and use "fit (sick) note" at first mention, then "fit note" is OK.

[KarinMochan]

Justine Speller is creating a new page on fit notes/sick notes. This is part of Mercury Team's work to retire some of the common health questions (CHQs) on NHS.UK. I've shared this with her.

[sarawilcox]

Here's the content that will appear on the NHS website: "If you are sick and cannot work, you may need a fit note (sometimes known as a sick note) for your employer. A fit note is an official statement about your fitness for work."

[sarawilcox]

At July 2024 Style Council meeting, agreed to add the following entry to the A to Z:

Fit note

Use "fit note (sick note)" at first mention, then use "fit note".

Or, if your users need more information, explain it in a sentence. For example:

"If you are unwell and cannot work, you may need a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) for your employer.

Currently with clinical team for approval before publishing the update.

[sarawilcox]

To be published 19 September. Approved by clinical team.