GP fit/sick notes
If you’ve been off work sick for several days, then you may need to show your employer a fit note (also known as an NHS sick note) from your GP to confirm that you’ve been ill and that you’re able to return to work. You can request a GP fit note using our online system. Find out more below.
How to get a fit note
You can request a fit note from your GP using our online system to complete a form. Once you have completed the form, your GP will get in contact to either issue a fit note to say that you’re fit to work or book an appointment to see you face-to-face. This depends on your illness and whether you’ve been in hospital.
At the appointment, your GP will assess you and give you medical advice. Based on your appointment, they will be able to tell if you are fit for work but might need to make some possible changes, or if you are not fit for work. You can use the link below to request a fit note from your GP.
When do you need a fit note
Seven days off sick or less
If you’re off sick for less than seven days, then your employer shouldn’t ask for a fit note. However, they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill and that you’re better to return to work. This is called a self-certification, and you can get the form from your employer.
More than seven days off sick
If you’re off work sick for more than seven days, then your employer might ask for a fit note to show evidence from your GP that you were not fit to work. You can use our online system to request a GP fit note.
Further information
You can find more information about fit notes on the NHS website.
School absence verification
Please note that we do not provide medical certificates for school absence. If your child's school insists on a medical certificate for absence, the following extract below from the Department of Education's policy document 'School attendance Guidance for maintained schools, academies, independent schools and local authorities, May 2022' states:
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Page 12 (Code I): Schools should advise parents to notify them on the first day the child is unable to attend due to illness. Schools should authorise absences due to illness unless they have genuine cause for concern about the veracity of an illness. If the authenticity of illness is in doubt, schools can request parents to provide medical evidence to support illness. Schools can record the absence as unauthorised if not satisfied of the authenticity of the illness but should advise parents of their intention. Schools are advised not to request medical evidence unnecessarily. Medical evidence can take the form of prescriptions, appointment cards, etc. rather than doctors’ notes.