If you’re unwell and cannot work you may need a ft note for your employer.
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). You can do this online. A fit note can support you to return to work or stay in work. You can also use your fit note to help you claim benefits or statutory sick pay (SSP).
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). If this is your first fit note for this episode of illness, then you must be seen at the time of your illness so it can be verified. Call us on 01603 251600.
If you need an extension of a previous fit note as still feeling unwell and it has expired, then if you have already seen a clinician they may be able to do an extension without seeing you if they feel your request is reasonable and inline with your illness. Fit notes can be back dated in this instance if your current one has run out. You can request this online:
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ or ‘Fit Note’ from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.