Self Certification
You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than 7 days, your employer can ask you to give them some medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, is now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’.
From your doctor this is strong evidence that you are sick and tends to be accepted. Unless there is evidence to prove otherwise. You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.
Statement of Fitness for Work – ’Fit Note’
The new ‘fit note’ was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer’s support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.
For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).
Getting a new Fit Note
To obtain a new or first fit note for an illness ring the surgery during opening hours and speak to one of the receptionists. They will ask some questions and you may need a face to face or telephone appointment with one of the doctors to discuss your illness. Your GP can also fill in a Fit note with written evidence from another health care practitioner – e.g. after an operation and in these cases an appointment is often not needed.
Obtaining a continuation Fit note
via Our Digital Front Door powered by PACO GP
Often you need to get an initial Fit note extended – as you are still unfit or are still awaiting tests.
To avoid the need to ring us and available 24/7 you can send us a “continuation” FIT note request by clicking on the Blinx Icon below and filling in the details on the form we will send you. We will normally respond within three working days and can date the note to match the end date on your previous note. Please note in some cases we may not be able to issue a note without speaking or seeing you.
