A sick note or Fit note, formally known as a statement of fitness to work (commonly known as a doctor’s note) is a document issued by a health care professional to certify an individual’s inability to work due to illness or injury
This note provides evidence to their employer that they are unfit for work for a specified period. Sick notes typically include details such as the nature of the illness or injury, the expected duration of absence from work, and any adjustments or accommodations to support the individual’s recovery and eventual return to work.
In some cases, additional documentation or assessments may be required, especially for prolonged absences or conditions requiring ongoing medical care. Employers may request sick notes as part of their absence management policies to ensure appropriate support for their employees and to verify the legitimacy of sickness absence.
To obtain a sicknote you must determine if your illness or injury is severe enough to prevent you from work, schedule an appointment with your GP ot another healthcare professional such as a nurse practitioner. They will assess your condition and if they determine you are unfit for work, they will issue a sick/fit note.
Self-Certify
You can self-certify your absence from work for up to 7 days due to illness or injury without needing a sick note from the doctor. This is known as self-certification. During this period, you can provide your employer with a self-certification form, which is usually available from your workplace or can be downloaded from the HM Revenue and Customs Website.
On the self-certification form, you will need to provide details for your absence such as:
- The date your illness or injury started.
- The date you expect to return to work.
It’s important to complete this form accurately and honestly. If your absence extends beyond 7 days, you will need to obtain a sick note.