Request a Fit Note
What is a fit note?
If you're unwell and cannot work, you may need a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) for your employer. 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).
You might need a fit note if you're unwell and cannot work for more than 7 days, including weekends and bank holidays.
You do not need a fit note if you cannot work for 7 days or less.
Self certification when off sick 7 days or less
Your employer can ask you to confirm that you've been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification.
Self-certification forms usually include details such as:
- information about your sickness or illness
- the date your sickness started
- the date your sickness ended
These dates may be days that you don't normally work. For example, your sickness could start or end on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday.
Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn't have their own form, instead they may use an SC2 form from HM Revenue & Customs Employee's Statement of Sickness.
Ask your employer for Statutory Sick Pay - GOV.UK- Link to Self Certification Form
Sickness of more than seven days
If you are sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer will normally ask you to provide a medical certificate from your GP.
If you have seen or spoken to your GP for the problem you have been off sick- you can submit a request for a fit note online via Patient information - Accurx Patient Portal. Please be aware the GP may still ask to review you before issuing a note.
If you have not seen or spoken to the GP for the reason you have been off sick- please contact us to make an appointment. Please be aware requests for fit notes are not deemed urgent or an emergency, so a routine appointment will be offered to you. Your GP can back date any note to cover your sickness period.
When your fit note runs out
If your fit note runs out, but you are still sick, you will need to consult the doctor again before you can get a further certificate.
You can do this by requesting an extension online via - https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/A82025/flow/fit-note
Fit certificates can be back-dated so it is not necessary to make an emergency appointment to renew your fite note. If you attend an emergency appointment for the purpose of getting a medical certificate you will be asked to rebook.
Charges for fit notes
There is usually no charge for providing a fit note if you are off sick for more than seven days.
Some employers may request a fit note (e.g. from employees who repeatedly take time off sick) even if they are off work for seven days or less. This is a private non-NHS medical certificate.
For sickness of seven days or less, a charge of £20 is payable in order for us to provide a certificate.
Page created: 15 June 2023