Sick (Fit) Notes

Request a sick (fit) note

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

After the first 7 days, you will need a sick note from your GP. If necessary, this can be backdated to ensure continuity of sickness absence, so an immediate appointment is not necessary.

Request a sick note online

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

If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill. Instead, they 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. We call this self-certification.

Find out more about sick notes

Private Sick Notes

If you want a note to confirm sickness within the first 7 days of absence, this will require a private note for which a fee is due.

Hospital Sick Notes

If you are in the hospital, they will provide you with a sick note. They should also include any period necessary after you leave the hospital. If necessary, this can be extended by your GP when you return home.

Return to Work and Extensions

When you know the date you are returning to work, we can often give you a 'starting back' note (also known as a 'fit' note or 'return to work' note) on request.

If you want to see your doctor solely to extend a sick note, please check with the receptionist whether an appointment is necessary.