Sick (fit) notes
You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the GOV website.
For any illness lasting longer than seven days you will need to see the doctor for him/her to issue a ‘Fit Note’ and for any subsequent renewal of the certificate. If your employer insists on a sickness certificate for 7 days or less a charge will be levied.
Sick note to fit note – helping people stay in work
On the 6 April 2010 the sick note was replaced by the fit note.
Evidence shows that work is generally good for your health and that often going back to work can actually aid a person’s recovery. On the other hand, staying off work can lead to long-term absence and job loss with the risk of isolation, loss of confidence, mental health issues, de-skilling and social exclusion.
The new fit note can help. Doctors are able to advise people who are on sick leave for over 7 days whether, with extra support from their employer, they could return to work earlier.
For more information visit
Useful links
Follow the link below to find out about Statutory Sick Pay
- Statutory Sick Pay (money, tax and benefits section)
