Sick (fit) notes

Fit notes are issued to patients by doctors following an assessment of their fitness for work. A fit note is issued after the first seven days of sickness absence (when patients can self-certify) if the doctor assesses that the patient’s health affects their fitness for work.

The doctor can decide the patient is ‘unfit for work’ or ‘may be fit for work subject to the following advice…’ with accompanying notes on suggested adjustments or adaptations to the job role or workplace.

To know more on Sick/Fit notes, visit https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave.

Please find more details on Statutory Sick Pay: how different employment types affect what you pay.

If you are fit for work, you do not need a fit note.

Your doctor will only give you a fit note if your health affects your fitness for work.

If you are off work for 7 days or less, you do not need to contact your GP for a sick note.

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.

To request a sick/fit note, please submit an online consultation here.