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Sickness Certificates
Learn more about 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.
You must give your employer a doctor’s ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) if you’ve been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.
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 below.
When you 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.
Charges for Sickness Certificates (Fit Note)
There is usually no charge for providing a sickness certificate if you are off sick for more than seven days.
Some employers may request a sickness certificate (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.