Fitness to Work Certificates
If you're unwell and cannot work, you may need a fitness to work certificate (sometimes called a sick note) for your employer.
Absence of 7 days or less
If you have been ill for 7 days or less, you don’t need to see a doctor. You can complete a Self-Certification form yourself. However some employers insist on a doctor’s certificate regardless. A certificate under these circumstances involves a charge of £20.
Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form you can download the self certification form from the government website. Please print it, fill it in and hand it in to your employer. You do not need to see a doctor.
Absence of more than 7 days
If you have been ill for more than 7 days you will need a certificate. These certificates are called ‘Fitness to Work’ Certificates.
You can use eConsult to request a fitness to work certificate by filling out a simple form. The doctor may call you or arrange for an appointment to assess your condition.
Once you have spoken to, or been seen by your doctor about this illness your certificate will be sent to you within a week.
Requesting an additional certificate
If you have already had a certificate for your illness, your doctor may not need to see you to issue another certificate. We will contact you to let you know when you can collect your certificate, or we may contact you to arrange an appointment.
