Sick/Fit Note Certificates
Urgent advice: Self Certification Sick/Fit Note for less than 7 days
If an employee is absent from work for 7 days or fewer, they are not required to provide their employer with a fit note or any other medical evidence from a healthcare professional.
Upon returning to work, the employer may request confirmation of the period of sickness. This process is known as self-certification 📝. Employers and employees will agree on how this information should be provided, which may involve completing a form or submitting details of the sickness absence via email.
Many organisations have their own self-certification forms. If your employer does not provide one, you can download a Self-Certification Form from the GOV.UK website at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ask-your-employer-for-statutory-sick-pay ℹ️
Non-urgent advice: Doctor’s Sick/Fit Note for more than 7 days
If you have been unwell for more than 7 days, you will need a doctor’s certificate, known as a ‘Fitness to Work’ certificate 🩺.
The doctor may contact you by telephone or arrange an appointment if further assessment is required.
If your doctor has already reviewed you for this illness, your certificate will usually be issued and sent to you within one week.
To request a ‘Fitness to Work’ certificate, please use our online triage service at:
https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/p81212 💻
Once processed, we will typically send you a text message link, allowing you to download your certificate securely.
Non-urgent advice: Requesting an additional Sick/Fit Note
If you have previously been issued a Sick Note (Fit Note) for your current illness, your doctor may not need to see you again in order to provide an additional certificate 🩺.
Please submit your request through our online triage service at:
https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/p81212 💻
Once processed, we will usually send you a text message link, enabling you to download your updated certificate conveniently.
Page created: 11 May 2021