Sick/Fit Note Certificates
Request a Fit (Sick) Note
You can request a fit (sick) note online by submitting an online request.
You can request a fit (sick) note online if:
- If you have already self-certified sickness for 7 days
- Or,
- You require an extension to an existing fit note
Click the "Contact us online" image to the right to submit an online request (no login/sign-up required)
Self Certification Sick/Fit Note for less than 7 days
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 usually, they will provide.
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) or company sick pay.
If you’re sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer will probably ask for proof of your illness. Most employers ask for a fit note from your GP.
However, this will also depend on your employer’s company policy on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need to provide proof of illness or a fit note.
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.
For more information see the DirectGov website
TEMPORARY CHANGE TO FIT NOTES
For Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), where employees go off sick on or after 10th December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days.
Fit notes do not have to be provided for DWP benefit claims until 27th January 2022. This will not affect claims to benefit.
These changes are to give GP's more time to work on the Covid-19 booster programme.
If you are concerned about your health condition, you sshould continue to see your GP.
Full guidance can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fit-note-guidance-for-occupational-health-professionals