Getting a sick note
The first 5 days
If you are off work for up to 1 week (5 working days) you do not need a sick note from your GP. You can write a letter to your employer or if you prefer there is a form called a Statutory Sick Pay Form for Employees Statement of Sickness (form SC2). This can be downloaded via the following link:
Ask your employer for Statutory Sick Pay - GOV.UK
After 1 week
If you have been off sick for more than one week you can obtain a sick note from a doctor. This can be requested by either completing an e-Consult or by coming in to the surgery and completing a sick note request form.
Your request will then be reviewed by the doctor and there may be no need for you to see the doctor depending upon the medical condition.
We do not accept telephone requests for sick notes.
Back dating a sick note
We do not routinely backdate sicknotes. Any decision on backdating will be made by the doctor.
Length of time for sick certificates
We usually issue sick certificates for a four week period followed by a review by the doctor. Any decision on sick certificates for more than four weeks will be made by the doctor.
Private certificates
Sick notes from the doctor are free of charge, however if you require a private sick note and have been absent from work for less than 5 days there is a charge.
Sick notes covering a period of stay in hospital and expected recovery time
It is the responsibility of the hospital staff to issue sick notes for a period of a stay in hospital and for the "expected recovery time" afterwards. This certificate should be obtained before you are discharged from hospital.
We do not issue return to work certificates but we do provide certificates for "amended duties"