If you’re unwell and cannot work, you may need a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) for your employer. You only need a doctor’s note if you are unable to work and are ill for longer than seven calendar days.
Self-certification
If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, you do not need to give your employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a healthcare professional. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.
If you’re off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note (also known as a Med 3 or Fit for Work certificate) from a healthcare professional. A fit note explains details of your condition, which helps you and your employer think about steps to help you return to work.
- If your fit note is for an ongoing problem that we are already aware of, please submit an eConsult, or contact the surgery and speak to our Patients Services Team as they will be able to advise you.
- If you need a fit note for a new medical problem then please submit an eConsult, or book an appointment as the GP may want to discuss this with you.
Fit notes can be back-dated so it is not necessary to make an emergency or urgent appointment to renew. If you are under the care of a hospital, your certificate may be issued by the hospital, rather than by the practice.
Further information about sick or fit notes:
Getting a fit note – NHS UK
Fit note: Guidance for patients and employees – GOV.UK
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – GOV.UK
