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.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND FOR A GP APPOINTMENT FOR ALL SICK/FIT NOTE REQUESTS:
If you have been seen by a Doctor or Nurse Clinician and have received your first sick note, you may apply for an extension by filling out a form at the main reception, or by completing an Patchs form. If approved, you shall receive a note within 2 working days.
Similarly, if you have had major surgery or a hospital procedure or injury you may use the same process and fill the online form requesting a sick note and we shall review at the evidence and issue a note if appropriate.
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.
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).