7 days off sick or less
If you're off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you've been ill. Instead they can ask you to confirm that you've been ill. You can do this by filling in a self-certification form yourself when you return to work.
Self Certification From
More than 7 days off sick
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.
Please either send in an eConsultations or contact the practice.
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.
How can I get a fit note?
If you need a fit note, contact the healthcare professional treating you. This should be a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist.
Your healthcare professional will assess you. If they decide your health affects your fitness for work, they can issue a fit note which will say:
- you are "not fit for work"
- you "may be fit for work taking into account the following advice"
If you "may be fit for work" you may be able to do some work, even if it is not your usual job, with support from your employer.
Discuss this advice with your employer to see if you can return to work. For example, the healthcare professional treating you may suggest possible changes, such as:
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returning to work gradually, for example, by starting part time
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temporarily working different hours
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performing different duties or tasks
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having other support to do your job. For example, if you have back pain, avoiding heavy lifting
If your employer cannot make the changes advised by a healthcare professional, the fit note should be treated as though it said "not fit for work".
Charges for fit notes
You will not be charged for a fit note if you are off sick from work for more than 7 days. For sickness of 7 days or less, your GP practice may charge you to provide a private medical certificate.
Some employers may request medical evidence from employees who regularly have time off sick, even if each time is for 7 days or less. A fit note cannot be used for this purpose and you may charged for the issue a private certificate.