Sick (fit) notes

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.

Requesting a sick note if you are unable to work

If you need to request a sick note from the practice, please complete an online request form

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).

Employers Letters – Risk Assessments

Please note that our GPs are not qualified to make any form of assessment in relation to specific things you can or cannot do related to your individual workplace, nor are they able to assess or recommend the type of workwear or safety equipment that you may, or may not, be able to use in relation to your work or any other activity.

Should your employer ask you for assessments or recommendations of this nature, they should be advised to make appropriate enquiries of an Occupational Health specialist.