Sick / Fit Notes

If you have been off work sick for more than 7 days, you will need a fit note from your GP. For absences of 7 days or less, you can self-certify — a GP note is not required.

If You've Been Off Sick for More Than 7 Days

If your illness or injury has kept you away from work for more than 7 calendar days (including weekends), your employer can ask for a fit note from a GP.

To request a sick note, please use our online form — this is the quickest route and avoids the need for an appointment in most cases.

If You've Been Off Sick for 7 Days or Less

If you are off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you have been ill. Instead, they can ask you to confirm that you have been ill.

You can do this by filling in a self-certification form when you return to work. This is called self-certification and does not require a GP visit or a note from the surgery.

What is a Fit Note?

A fit note — sometimes called a sick note or Statement of Fitness for Work — is a document issued by a GP that advises whether a patient is fit for work, and if not, what adjustments might help them return.

A fit note may say one of two things:

• Not fit for work — your GP does not consider you well enough to work at all during the period covered by the note
• May be fit for work — your GP thinks you may be able to return to work if your employer can make certain adjustments, such as amended duties, altered hours, workplace adaptations or a phased return

Returning to Work

If you are off work for a long period, your GP may suggest a phased return to help you get back to full duties gradually. This might include:

• Reduced hours to begin with, building up over time
• Different or lighter duties while you recover
• Working from home if your role allows it
• Adaptations to your workplace or equipment

If you need further support returning to work, your GP can refer you to an occupational health service or other appropriate support.

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