Fit (sick) notes

If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days

To request a sick note:

• get a sick note online
• phone or visit the surgery, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less

Your employer should not ask for medical evidence if you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less. Instead, they can ask you to confirm you’ve been ill yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification.

Find out more about sick notes on the NHS website.

When your fit note runs out

If your certificate runs out but you are still sick, you will need to consult a doctor again before you can get a further certificate. Fit notes can be backdated, so you do not need to make an emergency appointment to renew one.

School exams and sickness

GPs do not provide sick notes for schoolchildren, including for exams. Schools may ask for a letter from a parent or guardian instead. Awarding organisations do not require a medical certificate to support special consideration for missed exams — a supporting statement from the school is enough.