Less Than 7 Days
You do not require a doctors sickness certificate for any illness lasting 7 days or less. However your employer may require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which should be available from your employer or from the HMRC website.
More Than 7 Days
A ‘Statement of Fitness to Work’ (fit note) from your doctor is evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted unless there is evidence to prove otherwise. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask you for more information from your GP. With the support of your employer, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.
Clinicians are now able to electronically sign fit notes, and these can be sent via a secure link to your smart phone where you can view and download it. If you do not have access to a smart phone or would prefer to collect your fit note, please inform the surgery and the care navigation team will store it until you collect it at the surgery.