Sickness Certificates

Request a sickness certificate (fit note)

If you are off work for 7 calendar 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.

You can get a fit note from a GP or hospital doctor

Taken sick leave for more than 7 calendar days in a row? Request your sick/fit note here. Having a Sick note does not stop you going back to work.

Get started

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven calendar days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to you employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be acepted, unless there is evidence to probe otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitoner, e.g. a dentist.  Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable.  If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

For more information see the Gov.uk website