Guidance on Sick Notes and Self Certification
Employees must give their employer a ‘fit note’ (‘sick note’) if they have been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave.
When you work out the number of days you have been sick, you need to count all the days in a row you’ve been sick, including days you do not usually work, such as weekends and bank holidays.
If employees are off work for 7 days or less, they do not need to provide a sick note. On returning to work, your employer can ask for confirmation of sickness. This is called ‘self-certification’. To find out more about self certification, visit the Gov.UK website.
A sick note from a GP will advise either:
- you are not fit for work.
- you may be fit for work taking into account the following advice and adjustments.
There is never a charge from a healthcare professional for providing a fit note if you’re off sick from work for more than 7 days.
How to Request a Sick Note
You can request a fit note online here, using our eConsult service, open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:30pm.
If you cannot access our online facility, you may contact the practice by telephone on 023 9226 3138. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:30pm. A member of our reception team will request a fit note on your behalf.