Sickness Certificates

When do I need a fit note?

7 days off sick or less

If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill. Instead, they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification. If you need a sick note to cover this period of sickness and work are unable to provide one you should complete a Self-Certification (SC2) form which is available on the HMRC website. Or you can collect one from our reception desk.

Please visit the Direct Gov website for full information about fitness for work following a period of sickness. After this period a NHS certificate may be issued but you will need to contact the surgery as it may be necessary to discuss your request with your GP.

More than 7 days off sick?

You only need a doctor’s note if you are unable to work and are ill for longer than seven continuous calendar days. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as medical statements, Med3’s or a doctor’s note.

Med 3 certificates are required for Social Security and Statutory Pay purposes for patients who are either incapable of work or who may be fit for work with support from their employer. The duty to provide a MED3 rests with the doctor who, at the time, has clinical responsibility for the patient so if a Hospital Consultant or Hospital Doctor tells you that you should not return to work or If you attend or have a procedure or operation in hospital it is their responsibility to supply you with a Med3 (formerly known as a sick note).