Sick notes

If you are off work for up to seven calendar days you do not need a sick note from the GP. You can self certify using form SC2 that you should be able to obtain from your employer. The form can also be downloaded from HM Revenue & Customs.

Unfortunately some employers ask their workers to obtain a sick note from the GP for less than seven days absence. In this case we charge a private fee for the sick note.

If you have been off work for more than seven calendar days you will need a sick note from the GP. There is no charge for such a note. The GP can normally only issue a sick note if he or she has seen you or has received a recent report about your illness from another doctor.

The provision of a sick note is not a suitable reason to request an urgent appointment with the GP.

If you have been in hospital overnight or longer and have had time off work as a result, the hospital is responsible for providing you with a sick note prior to discharge.