Sick Note

Employees must give their employer a ‘fit note’ (‘sick note’) if they have been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave.

When you work out the number of days you have been sick, you need to count all the days in a row you’ve been sick, including days you do not usually work, such as weekends and bank holidays.

If employees are off work for 7 days or less, they do not need to provide a sick note. On returning to work, your employer can ask for confirmation of sickness. This is called ‘self-certification’. To find out more about self certification on the Gov.Uk website.

A sick note from a GP will advise either:

  • you are not fit for work.
  • you may be fit for work taking into account the following advice and adjustments.

There is never a charge from a healthcare professional for providing a fit note if you’re off sick from work for more than 7 days.

Please be aware you are no longer  able to request a sick note via our online form. All sick note requests are to be made through our eConsult platform which you can access here.

 

Date published: 23rd February, 2024
Date last updated: 7th May, 2024