For any period of illness less than seven days, you are able to complete a self-certification certificate and provide this to your employer.
In light of the current Coronavirus situation, a number of employees may be required to self-isolate at home even in the absence of any symptoms of an illness in the employee. In these cases, your GP will not be abIe to issue a sick note as the time off work is not due to an illness. Many employers will be understanding if you are required to self-isolate for 14 days and may not require a sick note. You can contact NHS 111 online to request confirmation of the suspected Coronavirus diagnosis if needed.
Thank you for your support in this time, and for allowing our doctors to focus on caring for acutely unwell patients.
In light of the current Coronavirus situation, a number of employees may be required to self-isolate at home even in the absence of any symptoms of an illness in the employee. In these cases, your GP will not be abIe to issue a sick note as the time off work is not due to an illness. Many employers will be understanding if you are required to self-isolate for 14 days and may not require a sick note. You can contact NHS 111 online to request confirmation of the suspected Coronavirus diagnosis if needed.
Thank you for your support in this time, and for allowing our doctors to focus on caring for acutely unwell patients.
- Submit an online request for a sick note (fit note).
- Ask for a new sick note or an extension to a sick note.
- Sick notes will be emailed to you, to avoid the need for you to collect it from the surgery.
Sickness Certificates
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.
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 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.
Statement of Fitness for Work - 'Fit Note'
Whilst we provide medical certificates to state that you are sick, we do not provide Fit Notes to state that you are ready to return to work. A letter can be provided if needed at a charge of £18.
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.
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 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.
Statement of Fitness for Work - 'Fit Note'
Whilst we provide medical certificates to state that you are sick, we do not provide Fit Notes to state that you are ready to return to work. A letter can be provided if needed at a charge of £18.