Fit Note

Fit Notes (also known as Sick Notes)

Employees must give their employer a ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) if they have been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.

The fit note will say the employee is either ‘not fit for work’ or ‘may be fit for work’.

If it says the employee ‘may be fit for work’, employers should discuss any changes that might help the employee return to work (for example, different hours or tasks). The employee must be treated as ‘not fit for work’ if there’s no agreement on these changes.

Employers can take a copy of the fit note. The employee should keep the original.

Getting a fit note

Employees can get a fit note from the following healthcare professionals:

• GP or hospital doctor
• registered nurse
• occupational therapist
• pharmacist
• physiotherapist

The healthcare professional needs to assess the employee’s fitness for work before giving a fit note. You can contact us by phone or complete an online consultation form through Patchs. 

Fit notes are free if the employee has been ill for more than 7 days when they ask for one. The healthcare professional will charge a fee if the employee has been ill for 7 days or less, as this is classed as a private sick note. .

Self-certification – 7 days or less

If employees are off work for 7 days or less, they do not need to give their employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a healthcare professional.

When they return to work, their employer can ask them to confirm they have been off sick. This is called ‘self-certification’. The employer and employee will agree on how the employee should do this. They might need to fill in a form or send details of their sick leave by email.

The most up to date information can be found at: Taking sick leave – GOV.UK