Sickness Certification (Fit Notes)
If you are unwell and unable to work, you may need a fit note (also known as a sick note). 📝
🏠 Self-Certification (First 7 Days)
You do not need to see a GP for the first 7 calendar days that you are off work due to illness.
You can self-certify your sickness using a form provided by your employer.
Further guidance is available here:
🩺 Fit Notes After 7 Days
If you have been unwell for more than 7 days and are unable to return to work, you may need a fit note from a clinician.
📋 Fit notes are issued at the discretion of the clinician and may not require a face-to-face appointment.
🏫 School, College and University Absence
GPs do not issue sickness certificates or fit notes for children or young people who are absent from school, college or university.
Schools, colleges and universities have their own systems for recording and authorising absence due to illness.
Parents and carers should notify the education setting directly if a child is unwell. Schools should not request GP letters to confirm illness.
GP appointments are not required for school absence and will not be provided for this purpose.
💻 How to Request a Fit Note (After 7 Days)
If you need a fit note after 7 days, please contact us using our online consulting platform and provide as much information as possible about your illness.
📞 We may contact you if further information is needed.
ℹ️ Important Information
- Fit notes cannot usually be backdated unless this is clinically appropriate
- Employers decide whether to accept a fit note
- Fit notes may include advice about returning to work with adjustments
