Sick (fit) notes

Important: Sick/fit notes: first 7 days

If you are off work sick for 7 calendar days or less, including non-working days, you do not need to request a sick/fit note from your GP.

You can self-certify your sickness absence with your employer.

More information about taking sick leave

Sick/fit notes after 7 days

Your GP can only issue a sick/fit note if your sickness absence lasts more than 7 consecutive calendar days, including non-working days.

If you need a sick/fit note after this time, please choose the correct request option below.

Request a new sick/fit note via Rapid Health

Rapid Health
Path: Adult medical request (16+)

Request an extension sick/fit note for a sickness the practice knows about via Rapid Health

Rapid Health
Path: Questions and admin (16+) / Sick/fit note request

Private sick/fit notes

In some cases, an employer or insurance scheme may ask you to provide a private sick/fit note.

As this is not usually covered by NHS services, a fee may apply.

Sick/fit notes are usually not required for the first 7 calendar days of sickness absence, including non-working days.

Information for employers

For sickness absence of 7 calendar days or less, including non-working days, employees do not need to provide a sick/fit note or other proof of sickness from a healthcare professional. They can self-certify their sickness absence with their employer.

GP practices are not required to issue sick/fit notes for the first 7 calendar days of sickness absence. This helps ensure GP appointments are available for patients who need clinical care, rather than for administrative certification that is not required for Statutory Sick Pay purposes.

If an employer requires medical evidence for the first 7 calendar days of sickness absence, this would be classed as a private, non-NHS request. A fee may apply, and this should usually be paid by the employer.

For more information, please see the GOV.UK guidance on taking sick leave and Statutory Sick Pay.

More information about taking sick leave