You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate (sick note) for any illness that lasts for seven days or less. Your employer may require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer.

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer may ask you to give them proof of your illness such as note from your GP. This evidence supports payment of statutory sick pay (SSP).

You can do this by filling in a self-certification form yourself when you return to work. Your employer may also ask for a note from your GP. This will depend on your employer’s policy on sick leave or sickness absence. The policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need to provide proof of illness.

Statement of Fitness for Work (Fit Note)

With your employer’s support, a Fit Note helps you to return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

Request a sickness certificate from your surgery (link to clinical system) or request a form from reception.