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.
To request a sick note, complete the below form: