Although the vast majority of NHS staff are honest, dedicated and hardworking, NHS Counter Fraud Authority figures show that concerns relating to staff presenting fake fit to work certificates has increased.  Fraud is estimated to cost the NHS millions of pounds every year.

A Statement for Fitness for Work is more commonly known as a GP sick note. If someone alters a sick note, for example; if the sick note is amended to extend the period it covers, or the name of the person it was issued to, or any other information on it, then this may constitute a false representation under the s2 of the Fraud Act 2006 and may be liable to criminal prosecution and or disciplinary action under your Trusts Counter Fraud Policy.

There are websites where you can purchase very authentic looking fake Fit Notes for around £10. In addition, there is sophisticated editing software available which enables an original Fit Note to be manipulated into a forged Fit Note.

Consider the following when you receive a Fit Note from a member of your team:

  • Does the Fit Note have a different unique ID number than Fit Notes previously submitted? All Fit Notes should have a different unique ID number at the bottom.
  • Does the font change on the Fit Note, especially in the date boxes? The font should be consistent.
  • Does the text fit into the boxes, especially in the date boxes? Text should not be misaligned.
  • Does the GP signature always appear to be in exactly the same place in a series of Fit Notes? You would expect slight variations in the signature box.
  • Have the dates been altered and allegedly initialled by the GP?
  • Only accept an original Fit Note if possible, not a scan or photo. Tippex for example may not be picked up on a scan.
  • If an emailed Fit Note is accepted, ensure you receive the full email chain to show it has originated from a GP practice.
  • If Fit Notes are handwritten, does the handwriting change or have different pens been used?
  • Is the grammar poor or are there spelling mistakes on the Fit Note? Some medical conditions are tricky to spell, but a GP is very unlikely to make a spelling mistake.
  • Is the amount of time off sick consistent with the illness? This is especially relevant on a handwritten Fit Note where 4 days off could easily be amended to 14 for example.
  • If you have any suspicion, consider asking the GP Practice if the Fit Note has been issued by them. You are not asking for any confidential information, simply confirmation that the document is a genuine one issued by the Practice.=

QR code Did you know that the QR code on sick notes can be scanned to show the name of the person it was issued to? Therefore, if a concern is raised with the authenticity of a sick note, the counter fraud team can check the QR code. We can also contact the GP who purportedly issued it.

If you have any concerns about the authenticity of Fit Notes, contact the HR department or your Counter Fraud Specialist.

For more information, or to report any suspicions of fraud or arrange a fraud awareness session for your team, contact the Trust’s counter fraud specialist at fraud@tiaa.co.uk

Alternatively, suspicions of fraud can be reported to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority at Report NHS Fraud | Home | NHSCFA  or by calling the 24/7 freephone line 0800 028 40