‘Fit for selected work’ medical certificates on the rise
There’s been a steady increase in the ratio of ‘fit for selected work’ medical certificates issued by GPs, reflecting a growing emphasis on recovery at work.
In January 2025, 34% of all ACC18 medical certificates issued by GPs were for ‘fit for selected work’. By September 2025, that number had grown to 40% – a 6% increase in just nine months.
A ‘fit for selected work’ certificate means a kiritaki (client) is not fully fit for their usual work duties but can safely perform some work tasks while they recover. This approach supports a safe and timely return to work, which has proven benefits for kiritaki, including:
- improved physical and mental wellbeing
- maintaining social and vocational connections
- greater likelihood of returning to pre-injury employment
- the ability to earn up to 100% of their usual income through a mix of work and weekly compensation.
‘Fully unfit’ medical certificates should only be used when an injured kiritaki is in hospital or must stay in bed, if they are at risk of infection and need to be quarantined, or if going to work would be a health and safety risk for them, their coworkers, or the general public.
Since launching the updated definitions for medical certificates in May 2023, we’ve seen a consistent upward trend in ‘fit for selected work’ certification. This shift helps unlock the full range of ACC support available to kiritaki and employers, including workplace adaptations, transport assistance and recovery planning with employers, and aligns with international best practice in recovery at work.
Read more information and download a printable resource to share with your kiritaki.