Sick (fit) notes – for work/employment only

A fit note is a written statement from your GP that confirms whether you are fit to work or not for employment purposes. It is sometimes called a “sick note”.

The following is applicable only for fit notes required by an employer. If you need medical evidence for any other reason, such as:

suspending or cancelling gym memberships
insurance claims
school, college or university
travel, events or refunds
housing or benefits
legal or occupational health matters

these are not fit notes and should be requested via our administration team. A private fee may apply.

If you’re off work for seven days or less

You usually do not need a fit note if you’re off work sick for seven days or less.Please check your employer’s policy, as it will explain how many days you can be off sick before medical evidence is required.

Self-certification

This usually includes:

details of your illness
the date your illness started
the date your illness ended

These dates may include non-working days such as weekends or bank holidays. In most cases, it is enough to complete a self-certification form when you return to work.

Some employers have their own self-certification form. If yours does not, use HMRC: Employees Statement of Sickness on GOV.UK.

If you’re off work for more than seven days

If you’ve been off sick for more than seven days, your employer will usually ask you to provide a fit note from your GP.

The fit note may state that:

you are not fit for work, or
you may be fit for work with adjustments

The seven days include weekends and bank holidays.

Charges when off for seven days or less

You may have to pay if you get a fit note when you’re off sick for seven days or less. To find out more, please ask at reception or go to the NHS website guidance on fit notes.