If you are off work for 7 days or less, you do not need to give your employer a fit note or 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 on the HMRC website.
Evidence that you are sick
You must give your employer a doctor’s ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) if you’ve been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays
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.
Taken sick leave for more than 7 days in a row?
- You can view and download your Fit Note via the NHS App. Once you are in the NHS App, click ‘view your GP health records’. You will find your Fit Note in ‘documents’, under ‘Consultations and Events’. This is the quickest and easiest way to access your Fit Note.
- If you do not have access to the NHS App, you can request your sick/fit note via the link below.
A fee is payable for Private Certificates
We ask for a response period of five working days from receiving a request for a medical certificate. These can be backdated, in order to ensure continuity.
