Sick notes and how to get one

Sick notes – also called medical certificates, fit notes or doctor’s statements – must be signed by a doctor. The GP can either say that you are fit for work, or that you are not fit for work. They may say you are fit for work if they think that returning to work – with support from your employer – will help you.

When requesting a sick note for a problem that you have not been seen by a doctor for, you will need to book a routine appointment; you will not be able to get a certificate without first speaking with a doctor regarding the issue. If you are under the care of a hospital, your certificate may be issued by the hospital, rather than by the practice.

If you have already seen a doctor, (or we have received a letter from the hospital about your sickness), or you want to request an extension of an existing sick note, you may not need to see a doctor again. To request a sick note (if you are off work for more than 7 days), you can complete an online e-consult request.

The requirement of a sick note will depend on your employer’s company policy on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need a note.

To find out about your employer’s policy:

• ask your team leader or supervisor, or
• speak to someone from your human resources (HR) or personnel department

Self-certification

If you are off work for 7 days or less, you do not need to give your employer a sick note or any other proof of sickness from a medical professional.

Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or you can download it from the HMRC website.

When your fit note runs out

If your certificate runs out, but you are still sick, you may need to consult the doctor again before you can get a further certificate.

Fit certificates can be backdated so it is not necessary to make an emergency appointment to renew your certificate. If you attend an emergency appointment for the purpose of getting a medical certificate you will be asked to rebook.

Private sick notes

There is usually no charge for providing a fit note if you are off sick for more than seven days.

Some employers may request a fit note (e.g. from employees who repeatedly take time off sick) even if they are off work for seven days or less. This is a private non-NHS medical certificate.

For sickness of seven days or less, a charge of £20 is payable in order for us to provide a certificate.