SICK NOTES

CONTENTS:

  • SELF CERTIFICATION
  • SICKNESS OF MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS
  • GP MEDICAL CERTIFICATES (SICK NOTE)
  • REQUESTING A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (SICK NOTE)

SELF CERTIFICATION

Your employer 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 and will cover up to 7 days statutory sick pay.

Self-certification forms usually include details such as:

  • information about your sickness or illness
  • the date your sickness started
  • the date your sickness ended

These dates may be days that you don't normally work. For example, your sickness could start or end on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank holiday.

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Many employers have their own self-certification forms or instead they may use an SC2 form. 

This self-certification form (SC2) is available from your employer or on the link below:

Self-Certification SC2 Form

Check the HMRC website for more information and guidance on statutory sick pay.

SICKNESS OF MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS

If you are sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer will normally ask you to provide a medical certificate from your GP.

When you need a certificate will also depend on your employer's company policy on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need a note.

To find out about your employer's policy:

  • ask your team leader or supervisor, or
  • speak to someone from your human resources (HR) or personnel department

GP MEDICAL CERTIFICATES (SICK NOTE)

A medical certificate note must be signed by a doctor. The GP can either say you are not fit for work, or can say you may be fit for work. The GP will choose the option for may be fit to work if they think that returning to work – with support from your employer – will help you.

GP medical certificates give advice to your employer about the impact of your illness or injury and can suggest common ways in which your employer can help you return to work such as:

  • Phased return: Allowing you to work altered hours or part time hours temporarily until you are phased back into your previous working hours.
  • Amendment of duties: Temporarily change your working duties to allow you to return to work. For example, if you have back pain you should avoiding heavy lifting.

 

REQUESTING A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (SICK NOTE)

FIRST TIME SICK NOTE

If you need time off work and you have not requested a sick note before, you may have to speak to a GP.

A first time sick note can be issued without talking to a GP for some reasons such as:

  • Bereavement
  • Fractures or Injuries (for which you have been medically assessed)
  • You have had hospital treatment such as surgery 
  • You have recently been in an inpatient in hospital

If you need to take some time off work for other reasons you may be asked to make a routine appointment with a GP.

You can request a sickline by contacting reception enuiries line. Tel: 02882240100 from 8:30am Monday-Friday

Please inform the reception staff if it is a new sick note and the reason you require a sick note - This information is needed before a GP can issue a medical certificate for you.

CONTINUATION SICK NOTE

If you have been recieving sick notes for up to six months you may be asked to make a routine appointment with your GP for review of this.

When you are requesting another continuation sick note please allow 1 working day for processing.