Sickness Certificates
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).
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.
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.
Can I go back to work before the end date on my fit note?
Yes.
You do not always have to be 100% "fit" to be able to do some work – in fact, work can help your recovery from health problems or support your overall wellbeing if you have a long-term health condition.
You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to and, with your employer's agreement. This may be before your fit note runs out.
For example, you may want to go back to work sooner if:
- you've recovered from your illness or injury more quickly than expected
- your employer can offer you support to help you return to work
You can find out more about returning to work on the NHS website.
Do I need a note saying I'm fit to work?
No.
You do not need to see your doctor again to be signed fit to go back to work.
The fit note does not have an option to say that you're fit for work. If your doctor wants to assess your fitness for work again, they will say this on your fit note.
Some employers have their own policy that requires employees to obtain medical evidence that they are fit for work. If this is the case, your employer should help you arrange this privately with a GP or occupational health specialist. A doctor cannot issue a fit note for this purpose.
You can find out more about returning to work on the NHS website.
How do I request a fit note?
Contact us once you have been unable to work for seven days. Including weekends. We'll book you the next routine telephone appointment, don't worry if that's a day or two away, fit notes can be backdated, however we are unable to post date them (for the future.)
For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).
Already had a fit note, but need another?
Did the Clinician say you needed to be reviewed? If so, we'll book you the next routine telephone appointment; don't worry if that's a day or two away as fit notes can be backdated, however we are unable to post date them (for the future.)
If the Clinician didn't say you needed reviewing we'll send them a message and ask them to renew your fit note during their paperwork time. There are some cases where they don't need to speak to you directly to issue a sick note.
Why are reception asking me questions about my fit note?
In order to help you to the best of their ability and reduce delays, the reception team have been asked by the clinical staff to make sure they check;
- Have you been off work for at least 7 days, including weekends?
- What condition the fit note is for.
- The requested start date for the fit note.
- The requested end date for the fit note.
- Any other relevant information, such as reasonable adjustments or a phased return to work.
How long before my fit note is ready for collection?
We aim to have fit notes ready after 4pm on the 2nd working day after request. For example if you request a fit note on a Monday, we aim to have it completed and ready for collection after 4pm on Wednesday. You can check if your fit note is ready for collection via Patient Access. In your documents section you will be able to see if a fit note has been issued. You will also receive a text when your fitnote is ready.
The fit note is classed as advice from your doctor. Your employer can decide whether or not to accept it, and your doctor cannot get involved in any disputes between you and your employer. You may wish to seek help from a trade union or ACAS in such situations.