When do I need a fit note?
Fit notes may also be called medical statements or a doctor’s note. The seven days includes days that you don’t normally work. When you work out how long you’ve been off sick, you should include weekends and bank holidays.
Sickness of seven days or less
Self-certification forms
• 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 its own form, it may use an SC2 form from HM Revenue & Customs instead.
Sickness of more than seven days
This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need to provide proof of illness or a fit note.
Fit notes and how to get one
• You are “not fit for work”
• You “may be fit for work taking into account the following advice”
To request a fit note use one of the following options:
• Use our Online Service (PATCHS), Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:30pm. We will respond asap during opening times
• Phone us on 01484 440840, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:30pm
• Visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:30pm. Get directions
If you’re under the care of a hospital, your fit note may be issued by the hospital rather than your GP. If a hospital issues your fit note, it will always be a double-sided A5 handwritten fit note.
There is never a charge from an NHS doctor for providing a fit note if you’re off sick from work for more than seven days.
Frequently asked questions
A fit note (also known as a Statement of Fitness for Work) is a medical certificate issued by a healthcare professional to confirm whether you are able to work.
If you have been unwell for more than 7 days, you may need a fit note as evidence for your employer. For the first 7 days, you can self-certify your illness without needing to contact the practice.
A fit note will either confirm that you are not fit for work, or that you may be fit for work with certain adjustments, such as reduced hours, amended duties, or a phased return.
If you think you need a fit note, please contact the practice and a clinician will assess your request.
Not always. In many cases, a clinician can issue a fit note based on your medical records or a recent consultation. If more information is needed, we may ask you to book an appointment.
Yes, fit notes can be backdated if a clinician is satisfied that you were unwell during that time. This is usually based on your medical history or previous consultations.
The length of a fit note depends on your condition. It may cover a few days or several weeks. If you are still unwell when it expires, you may need to request a new one.
If your employer is unable to make the recommended changes, the fit note will be treated as if you are not fit for work.
Fit notes are free of charge if you are off work due to illness for more than 7 days. There may be a fee for private sick notes requested for other reasons.
Yes, you can return to work earlier if you feel well enough to do so. You do not need a new fit note to confirm this.