Med3 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 HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

All fit note requests should be made via ‘Ask My GP’ in the morning – please note that these requests are not classed as urgent and will be processed as soon as possible within 72 hours (Mon-Fri)

Please note that a clinician will assess your condition and complete a sick note only if they feel that it is relevant and required.
Not all sick notes will provide exemption from work, if you are able a sick note will state conditions or alterations required to your usual working conditions to enable you to remain in work. Additionally a sick note may state actions to take to enable your return to work in the near future.

Statement of Fitness for Work – ’Fit Note’

The ‘fit note’ was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer’s support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)