Pharmacists and some other healthcare professionals, rather than just GPs, will soon be able to sign people off sick from work, under new rules.
The law change will take effect in July and apply across England, Wales and Scotland.
The aim is to free up family doctors' time.
People off work for more than seven consecutive days because of illness may need to show a note from a healthcare professional to their employer.
"unfit for work"
"may be fit for work" subject to some adaptations in the workplace or role
When the new legislation is passed, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists (working in hospitals and GP practices) and physiotherapists will be able to provide the notes, in addition to GPs.
