Fit Note Rules — Current Information (2026)
A fit note (formerly called a sick note) is an official document confirming you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Since April 2022, fit notes at Wilmslow Health Centre can be issued by GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists — you do not need to see a doctor specifically. The first seven days of any illness do not require a fit note; your employer must accept self-certification. For absences longer than seven days, your employer may request a fit note. To request one, call us on 01625 548555 or book a telephone consultation online.
2021 Rule Change — Historical Information
Please do not contact the surgery if you go off work sick after 10th December. We will not be able to provide you with a Fit Note.
For Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), where employees go off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days).
Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days.
Fit notes do not have to be provided for DWP benefit claims until 27 January. This will not affect claims to benefit.
These changes are to give GP’s more time to work on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) booster programme.
