Sickness Certificates

Request a sickness certificate (fit note)

If you are off work for 7 days or less, you do not need to give your employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a medical professional.  Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or you can download it from the HMRC website.

If you have been sick for more than 7 days, ensure you supply a sufficient summary or update of your condition with your request so that your GP can justify the legal requirement of this form. 

If you are likely to need a fit note (otherwise known as a sick note or MED 3) when you come out of hospital or following outpatient attendance, please ask the doctor treating you in hospital to provide you with one before you leave. This is because the decision on how long you need off work is made by the clinician who has assessed and treated you. If you have forgotten to do this, please contact the hospital and ask for a Fit note to be posted or texted to you.

You can get a fit note from a GP or hospital doctor

Taken sick leave for more than 7 days in a row? Request your sick/fit note here.

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Charges For Fit Notes

There is usually no charge for providing a fit note if you are off sick for more than seven days.

Some employers may request a fit note (e.g. from employees who repeatedly take time off sick) even if they are off work for seven days or less. This is a private non-NHS medical certificate.

For sickness of seven days or less, a charge of £10 is payable in order for us to provide a certificate.

When Your Fit Note Runs Out

If your certificate runs out, but you are still sick, you will need to consult the doctor again before you can get a further certificate.

Fit certificates can be back-dated so it is not necessary to make an emergency appointment to renew your certifiate. If you attend an emergency appointment for the purpose of getting a medical certificate you will be asked to rebook.