When do I need a sick / fit note?
7 days off sick or less
If you're off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you've been ill. Instead they can ask you to confirm that you've been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification. Visit the following link for information and the form for self-certification
If your employer insists on a medical certificate for sick leave which has been less than 7 days you may be charged for a private sick note.
More than 7 days off sick
If you're off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from a GP or hospital doctor. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as medical statements or a doctor's note.
If you are going to be off more than 7 days please make an appointment to see your GP who may need to examine you before issuing your certificate. Please note these are valid from the day on which they are signed and cannot be backdated.
On occasions we are asked to issue a backdated sick note for longer periods of absence from work. We can only do this if the patient concerned has had previous contact with another doctor/specialist, with documented notes regarding the condition concerned, and where it would have been reasonable to advise the patient to be off work from the date given.
For more information please visit;
When do I need a fit note? (NHS information)
The fit note: guidance for patients and employees (GOV.uk)