If you require a fit note please request using the link below
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).
Your employer can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill.You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification.
If you’re sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer will probably ask for proof of your illness. Most employers ask for a fit note from your GP.
However, this will also 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 to provide proof of illness or a fit note.
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’
The ‘fit note’ was introduced on 6 April 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 DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)
Fit for Work
Staying in work if you feel unwell or returning to work after a long period of absence can be daunting.
Fit for work is a free, confidential and run by health professionals who will support you to stay in or return to work.
Speak to your GP about being referred to Fit for Work, or find out more by visiting the website or calling the advice line.
- England and Wales 0800 032 6235
- Welsh Language 0800 032 6233 (Llinell Gymraeg)
- Website www.fitforwork.org
- Scotland 0800 019 2211
- Website www.fitforworkscotland.scot
- Fit for work patient leaflet
- Fit for work patient poster