EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Social Security (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1976 (“the 1976 regulations”) and the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1985 (“the 1985 regulations”).

Regulation 2(3) amends the 1976 regulations by substituting Schedule 1. Part 1 of the substituted Schedule contains new rules concerning the completion of a doctor’s statement. Part 2 of the substituted Schedule prescribes the form of the doctor’s statement to which those rules relate. The doctor’s statement will help a person claim certain health-related social security benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance.

Regulation 2(4) omits Schedule 1A and 1B of the 1976 regulations.

Regulation 2(2) amends regulation 2(1) of the 1976 regulations in consequence of regulation 2(3) and (4) of these regulations.

Regulation 3(2) and (3) inserts references to the Social Security Administration Act 1992 in the 1985 regulations.

Regulation 3(4) amends the 1985 regulations by substituting Schedule 1. Part 1 of the substituted Schedule contains new rules concerning the completion of a doctor’s statement. Part 2 of the substituted Schedule prescribes the form of the doctor’s statement to which those rules relate. The doctor’s statement will help employees claim Statutory Sick Pay.

Regulation 3(5) omits Schedule 1A of the 1985 regulations.

This instrument imposes no costs on the private or voluntary sectors. An assessment of the impact of these Regulations has been made. Copies of this impact assessment are available in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament, and may also be obtained from the Better Regulation Unit of the Department for Work and Pensions, 6B Caxton House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NA, or from the DWP website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/ria.asp