Sick/Fit Note Certificates

Medical Certificates for Sick Leave

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.  It is not necessary to get a fit note for return to work.

For more information see the DirectGov website.

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Request a Sick Note

FIRST TIME SICK NOTE

If you need time off work and you have not requested a sick note before, you may have to speak to a GP.

A first time sick note can be issued without talking to a GP for some reasons such as:

  • Bereavement
  • Fractures or Injuries (for which you have been medically assessed)
  • You have had hospital treatment such as surgery 
  • You have recently been in an inpatient in hospital

If you need to take some time off work for other reasons you may be asked to make a routine appointment with a GP.

You can request a sick note by contacting reception enquiries line. Tel: from 9.30am Monday-Friday

Please inform the reception staff if it is a new sick note and the reason you require a sick note - This information is needed before a GP can issue a medical certificate for you.

CONTINUATION SICK NOTE

If you have been recieving sick notes for up to six months you may be asked to make a routine appointment with your GP for review of this.

When you are requesting another continuation sick note please allow 1 working day for processing. 

Page last reviewed: 27 April 2026
Page created: 25 March 2026