I've Been Sick for 7 Days or Less
You do not need a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting 7 days or less. Your employer may require you to complete a self-certification form which is available from your employer or on the HMRC Website.
I've Been Sick for More Than 7 Days
If you're off sick for more than 7 days, you will need to give your employer a fit note. This is also called a Statement of Fitness for Work, from a healthcare professional.
Request a Sick/Fit Note - Please let us know the date you need the sick/fit note to start and how long you need it for.
How to count sick days
You need to count all days including any days you do not usually work as well as weekends and bank holidays.
For more information on Sick / Fit Notes please see Taking Sick Leave
Common myths about fit notes (sick notes)
Only the GP can issue fit notes:
- False. All consultants, all junior doctors, and some nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physios and OTs can also issue fit notes for you.
I need a fit note as soon as I go off sick:
- False. Fit notes are not required for the first seven days of sickness absence - you can self-certify
There are no fit note pads on the ward or in clinic:
- False. Hospitals have a contractual duty to send fit notes to you electronically (and at least be able to send you one by post if they are unable to text you)
My private doctor can’t issue me with a fit note:
- False. Any doctor treating you at the time has a statutory duty to provide you with a form of medical evidence of sickness absence should you need one - a private doctor can provide a report acting as a fit note.
Hospitals can only issue fit notes for 1 to 2 weeks at the most:
- False. The doctor advising you to have time off must issue a fit note for the appropriate time period - there is no set 2 week time limit.
It only takes seconds to issue my fit note - surely you can just do it?
- False. Many GP appointments (and phone lines) would be freed up if only the health professional treating you had issued your fit note for you at the time.
So, all I need to do is ask the health professional who is treating me at the time and they should be able to sort out a fit note for me? Absolutely true.