Calling in sick is never just about being unwell. It comes with the following questions: Do I need a note? Will I get paid? Am I going to get in trouble? It’s a headache you don’t need when you’ve already got a literal headache.
The way we handle sickness at work has changed quite a bit. The days of dragging yourself to the surgery to get a piece of paper signed in ink are mostly gone. The system is better now, or at least it’s trying to be.
Understanding the Fit Note
Over a decade ago, the government rebranded sick notes as “statements of fitness for work” (also known as fit notes). What’s the difference? The old sick note simply stated you couldn’t work. The fit note, however, is supposed to be more constructive by giving your doctor (or whoever is treating you) two choices.
They can tick “not fit for work,” which means you’re not able to go to work. Or they can tick “may be fit for work,” which means you aren’t 100% ready to go back to normal, but you aren’t totally bedbound either. It opens the door to a conversation about workplace adjustments, e.g., returning gradually or taking on lighter tasks while you recover.
The Seven-Day Rule and Self-Certification
Here’s a rule everyone needs to know: you don’t need a medical note for the first week.
If you’re off for seven days or fewer, the law says your word is good enough. You just tell your employer you’re ill by “self-certification.” Your boss can’t demand a doctor’s note during this time. If they do ask for one, they usually have to pay for it privately, because the NHS won’t give you a free one until day eight.
Be careful with the counting, though. It’s seven calendar days, not seven working days. If you’re off sick on a Friday and you’re still ill on the following Friday, that’s eight days. The clock keeps ticking over the weekend.
Your employer will likely ask you to fill in a form confirming the dates you want off. They might have their own company form or use the standard government form (SC2). It’s just a formality to maintain records.
Recent Changes to Regulations
It used to be that only a GP could sign a sick note. That meant sitting on the phone at 8 am trying to get an appointment just for a signature. Thankfully, that’s changed. The list of people who can issue these notes has grown.
If you’re seeing a physiotherapist for a back problem, they can write your note. If you’re in the hospital, a registered nurse or a pharmacist can do it. Occupational therapists are on the list, too. The idea is to get the note from the person who knows about your condition, rather than kettling everyone through an overworked GP.
Even better, you can get an online sick note without leaving your home. You don’t need to pick up a piece of paper anymore. Professional online medical service providers like us can email it to you or send it through an email.
What is Statutory Sick Pay?
For most people, the biggest worry is how being sick can affect their financial situation. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum amount UK employers must pay employees who are too ill to work, currently set at £118.75 per week for up to 28 weeks. Getting a fit note is vital to accessing SSP.
The good news is that, from April 2026, the government is getting rid of the three “waiting days” for SSP. That means you’ll be eligible for sick pay from your very first day off, rather than having to wait until day four. They’re also getting rid of the lower earnings limit, which helps over a million lower-paid or part-time workers get access to sick pay they were previously barred from.
You also have rights protecting your job. You can’t be fired just for being sick, provided you follow the rules for reporting it. If you have a long-term condition that counts as a disability, the protections are even tougher.
The Purpose of Reasonable Adjustments
This is where the “may be fit for work” section becomes essential. If your doctor ticks that box, they can suggest changes to help you. You may need to avoid heavy lifting or start later because your medication takes a while to work.
Also, if your employer cannot accommodate the changes, you can stay off sick. They can’t force you to return to your old routine if the doctor says you aren’t ready. It stops that all-or-nothing approach where you either work yourself into the ground or stay isolated at home.
Getting Back to Work
If you feel better before the note expires, you can even go back early. You don’t need the doctor’s permission for that, though you should definitely chat with your manager first. They might want to do a quick risk assessment to make sure you aren’t rushing it.
Need a Note Without the Wait?
If you’ve been under the weather and can’t face the queue at the GP, there are other ways to get certified.
Start your online consultation today and receive your online fit note directly in your inbox.
