If You’ve Been Off Sick for 7 Days or Less
Self-certification gives employees the right to take a few days off work due to illness without having to request a sick note from their doctor. If you have a new period of sickness and you’re off work for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill.
Instead, they may ask you to confirm your illness in writing for staff records. This could be done by email, or some employers may ask you to complete an illness form. A standard self-certification form (SC2) is available online from the HMRC website and may also be provided by your employer.
Find out more about sick notes on the NHS website.
If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days
A fit note is only issued if you have been off work for more than 7 days and have already submitted a self-certification to your employer. The assessment for a fit note will take place during a GP appointment, which may be carried out either in person or through a telephone consultation depending on your circumstances. The length of a fit note will depend on the type and progression of your condition.
To request a fit note, please visit our appointments page to book either:
- a routine appointment
- or an urgent same day appointment if you have an urgent medical need
Continuation Fit Note
A fit note is issued after your GP assesses your fitness for work. The length of the note depends on your condition and how it is progressing.
If your current fit note is ending and you need a continuation:
How to request a continuation fit note
- Online: Visit our Online Reception and complete the questionnaire in full
- In person: Visit the practice reception and fill in a paper request form
Important information
- A continuation fit note can only be issued once your current fit note has ended
- Sometimes your GP may need more information about your condition. If this happens, your request may be delayed or declined until the details are provided. Please respond promptly to any follow-up requests
- Fit note requests are not urgent. Please allow up to 5 working days from the end of your current note for the doctor to review and respond.
Fit Note Following Hospital Treatment
Fit notes, whether a new certificate or a continuation, can be issued following hospital treatment if we have evidence of your admission.
If you require a fit note after hospital treatment, you can request one in the following ways:
- Online: Visit our Online Reception and complete the fit note questionnaire in full
- In person: Visit the practice reception and complete a paper request form
Important information about fit notes:
- A continuation fit note can only be issued once your current fit note has ended
- In some cases, the doctor may require additional information before issuing your note. If this happens, please respond promptly to avoid delays
- Requests are not considered urgent. Please allow up to five working days for the doctor to review and respond