Sickness Certificates
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. You can also click the link below, you will be directed to the form on the HMRC website to complete:
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of 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, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally 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 ‘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)
Doctors Fit Notes, also known as “sickness certificates” or “sick lines”, can be issued after you have been off ill for over 7 days.
For a continuation sick line, contact reception on 028 9331 5805 before 3:30 pm each day, once issued and signed by the GP it will be sent to you via text or email within 48 working hours.
We issue first time sick lines on a Monday and Friday, please ring the details in before 10:45 am on these days – these will then be sent to you via text or email within 48 working hours.
