The DWP has issued strict guidelines for doctors to follow when issuing Fitness for Work notes (formerly known as ‘sick notes’).
If the illness is:
- Less than 3 days: your employer should not require a Fitness for Work note.
- Between 3 and 7 days: you should hand your employer a “self certificate” (SC1). You do not need to see the doctor for this.
- More than 7 days: You will need a Fitness for Work note and must see the doctor to get one. It is only at 7 days that you need a doctors ’ note. If you require a note covering illness when you saw a different doctor (e.g. casualty) the doctor at the surgery must be in receipt of written evidence that you saw another doctor.
Fitness for Work notes needed before 7 days illness will incur a charge that should be borne by your employer.
Please visit the Department for Work and Pensions website for more information.
Self Certification DWP
If you have been ill for 7 days or less you don’t need to see a Doctor. You can complete a Self Certification form yourself. However some employers insist on a Doctor’s note regardless. A Doctors note under these circumstances involves a charge.
Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form get the self-certification form online. You do not need to see a Doctor.
For more information visit the Gov.UK website.