Translate

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.

Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have their own, you can download the form, print it, fill it in and hand to your employer.

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?

Important

The doctor cannot forward date a sick note. Therefore, you cannot request an extension until your current sick note expires.

If you have been ill for more than 7 days you will need a doctor’s certificate. These certificates are called ‘Fitness to Work’ Certificates. When requesting a sick note, you may be required to have a review with the doctor before this is issued. If no review is required, you will be contacted by reception when your sick note has been issued and is ready for collection.

Get started