You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.
Statement of Fitness for Work – ‘Fit Note’
The ‘fit note’ was introduced in 2010. With your employer’s support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.
For more information see the GOV.UK website.
Requesting a ‘Fit Note’
‘Fit Notes’ can be requested from a clinician during an appointment (but please note, as explained above, you do not require one for the first seven calendar days of an absence).
Continuation ‘Fit Notes’ can be requested via the ‘Contact us Online‘ section of our website.
You will be receive a text when your ‘Fit Note’ is ready to collect from the medical centre.
‘Fit Notes’ following a hospital admission or procedure should be requested from the hospital at the time of discharge or at follow up appointments.
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.