When do I need a fit (statement of fitness for work) note?

7 days off sick 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. This is called self-certification. Click here for information and the form for self-certification

More than 7 days off sick:

If you're off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from a GP or hospital doctor. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as medical statements or a doctor's note.

For more information please visit:

When do I need a fit note? (NHS information)

The fit note: guidance for patients and employees (GOV.uk)

Please note: The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) states that if you are fit for work, you do not need a fit note. Your healthcare professional will only give you a fit note if your health affects your fitness for work, they cannot give you a fit note stating you are ‘fit for work’.

Asking for a fit note:

You can request a fit note online by submitting an admin request here.