If you are off work due to a hospital admission, a sick note can be issued by the hospital to cover the period of time you were in the hospital. Once discharged, your GP can issue a sick note, based on your hospital discharge letter. If you think this is your situation, our Reception team will assist you.
If you require a sick or fit note to be backdated you will need to discuss this when you see your GP. Emergency or urgent appointments should NOT be used to request sick or fit notes.
Self-Certificate
If you have been sick for more than four days in a row, but less than seven, you can self–certify your illness using a SC2 form, it is not necessary to see a doctor for this if you are off work less than 7 days. You can obtain this form from our reception, your employer or by visiting the HMRC website. If you are unwell for more than four days you are advised to arrange an appointment to see a Doctor to assess your fitness to work if you feel your illness will last more than 7 days.
How to count sick days
When you work out the number of days that you’ve been sick, you need to count all the days in a row you’ve been sick, including days you don’t normally work such as weekends and public holidays.
Statement of Fitness for Work – (GP Sick line)
After 7 days the Doctor will provide you with a Statement of Fitness for Work (‘Fit Note’) if you are still not well enough to work. Your employer will most likely request this statement as evidence to support payment of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Further information is available at the Direct.Gov website.
Fit for Work
Fit for Work can help supplement the advice an employee receives from their employer’s occupational health provider or through their own private insurance. It can also be used to supplement employers’ sickness absence policies and procedures. Fit for Work offers free, expert and impartial advice to anyone looking for help with issues around health and work. You can browse our online resources, chat online to a specialist advisor, email a question or call our free advice line on 0800 032 6235.
Private Certificates
If you or your employer require further information concerning your period(s) of illness , then your Doctor may require to issue you with a letter. Please note that a charge of £10.00 will apply for this service.
