Sick certification
Do you require a fitness certificate for work, and who should issue it? Please review this guide before contacting us.
Further information is available at gov.uk's 'Fit Note' page.
1
Absence for up to three days
Usually, no proof is required by your workplace for absences lasting 1 to 3 days. This depends on your particular employer's individual sick policies.
2
Absence for four to seven days
Employers typically ask you to provide a 'self-certificate' (SC2 form). These documents do not involve a GP. You can fill out a form to email or mail to your employer at: https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/how-to-claim
3
Absence lasting over seven days
A formal 'fit note', or Med 3 statement, is required. Request this via reception. To issue a Med 3, a doctor must speak with you by phone, see you in person, or review notes from another medical professional verifying your health state.
Since 2025, GP practices no longer issue Med 3s for hospital-related needs like surgery or fractures. If your absence is due to hospital care, the hospital clinician must provide a Med 3 before discharge. If you have already been discharged, please contact the hospital department directly via their switchboard. Visit nilmc.org for more details.
Note: patients working in Republic of Ireland
Patients registered here who work across the border might need a Med 3 for absences under 7 days, as the UK self-certification rules do not apply. Please notify reception if this situation applies to you.