Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less, including weekends. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website. We do not provide these.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, including weekends, 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, although it is not for us to become involved in an employers interpretation of HR issues.

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.

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).