Self-Certification to Fit Notes: A Guide to Sick Notes at Work
Taking time off work due to illness is sometimes unavoidable, but many employees are unsure about the rules surrounding work sick notes and when a GP sick certificate is required. In the UK, the system is designed to balance employee wellbeing with workplace responsibilities, yet confusion still exists. This guide explains everything you need to know, from self-certification to fit notes, so you can confidently manage sickness absence at work. What Is a Work Sick Note? A work sick note, officially known as a fit note, is a document that confirms an employee’s health condition affects their ability to work. It is issued by a healthcare professional, usually a GP, and helps employers understand whether an employee is unfit for work or may be able to return with adjustments. Before a GP sick certificate is needed, most short-term absences are covered by self-certification. Self-Certification: The First 7 Days In the UK, employees do not need a GP sick certificate for the first...