Self Sickness Certification

If you have an illness lasting seven days or less you do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate.  Your employer may require you to complete a self-certification form called an SC2 which is available from the HMRC website or you can click on the link below to download a form.    

Self Sick certificate

Fit / Sick Notes

A “sick note,” officially a Fit Note (or Med3 fit note), is a statement from a healthcare professional confirming you are unwell and providing advice on your fitness to work. You typically need one for a continuous period of absence from work longer than seven days, including weekends and bank holidays. You can get a fit note from a GP, hospital doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist.  

How to get a sick note

1. Contact your GP or healthcare provider: You will need to be as soon as possible after you have been off work for 7 days or more. You’ll need to make an appointment to see a healthcare professional, which can sometimes be done via phone or online. 
2. A healthcare professional will assess you: A doctor, nurse, or another qualified healthcare professional will assess your condition and provide the note. 
3. Receive your fit note: The note can be issued in various formats, including electronic, physical, or via post. 
4. You can request a sick-note via our online form – please make sure you include the details of your illness, how long you have been ill and if this is a request for a first sick note or if you have had one before for this illness.

What to do with the note

• Inform your employer: Once you receive your note, provide it to your employer as soon as possible. 
• Check your employer’s policy: Always check your employer’s specific company policy on sickness absence to understand how many days you can be off before requiring a note, and how they accept them. 

Important Points

• If a healthcare professional has not seen you when you were ill, they will NOT be able to provide you with a sick note – they are not able to back-date initial sick notes. This can only be done with continuation notes (2nd sick note or more)
• It supports your return to work: The fit note can include advice on how you can return to work, such as reduced duties or modified hours. 
• You may need extensions: If you are still unwell when your fit note expires, you must contact your GP to request an extension. 
• Doctor’s discretion: A sick note is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the healthcare professional who sees you.