How to get a sick note

So you feel sick, and you're not sure you're well enough to work. How do you get a sick note from the doctor? They're now referred to as 'fit notes' and here's what you need to know.

If you're unwell, you have a right to be off work

What is a fit note?

A fit note (otherwise called the Statement of Fitness for Work) is a certificate issued by your doctor. Fit notes give your doctor (GP) the option to say you are ‘not fit for work’, ‘fit for work’ or ‘fit for some work’.

What’s the difference between a fit note and the old-style sick notes?

The ‘fit for some work’ part is the major change. In the old-style sick notes, your doctor only had to decide whether you were fit for work or not fit. The fit note allows your doctor to decide whether you can work with some diminished responsibility or with certain conditions. The new note also allows space for the GP to explain how your condition affects you and your ability to work. Fit notes replace the Med 3 (the standard sick note) and Med 5 (used if a patient was seen by a different doctor).

When do I need one?

If you’ve been off sick for up to seven days, your employer does not need medical evidence that you’ve been ill. However, if you’ve been off work for more than seven days you may be required to produce evidence in the form of a fit note (this differs according to each company, so make sure you check your contract or your employer’s sick-pay policy).

Can I still get a fit note if I’m self-employed or unemployed?

If you’re self-employed or unemployed you can use the fit note to support a claim for benefits.

What does ‘fit for some work’ mean?

Fit for some work means you might not be well enough to do your job as you used to, but you might be well enough to return to work with certain conditions in place.

What sort of conditions might the note suggest?

The fit note might suggest a phased return to work, e.g. working part-time at first, working altered hours, or with different duties. The note might also suggest work-place alterations, such as different seating arrangements, altered lighting, special equipment or even changing location to a different floor.

Does my employer have to comply with the fit note?

Your employer doesn’t have to follow all the suggestions made on the fit note, but if your employer isn’t able to accommodate your needs then you’ll be signed off as ‘not fit for work’. Your employer can request that you return to the GP for alternative suggestions, or seek specialist advice from an occupational health specialist.

Will the sick note state when I should return to work?

Your GP will recommend a period of time off and include this on the fit note, but you should discuss your return to work with your employer. This could be before your fit note runs out, however if your condition is more serious then it’s advisable to pay attention, as this could affect your recovery.

Do I need to see my GP again before I go back to work?

Your GP will say on the fit note whether they need to see you again before you return to work.

Will the fit note affect my benefits?

The benefits process is unaffected by the fit note and if you’re marked as being ‘fit for work’ then you can still apply for benefits More information on this can be found on the back of the fit note.

How does this affect my sick pay?

If your fit note says you’re fit for work but you and your employer agree that you should remain off work then you can still get statutory sick pay.

What if I think I’m fit for work and the GP thinks I’m not?

It’s up to you whether you act on the GP’s advice on a fit note. If you feel well enough to return to work and your employer is happy then you don’t have to act on it. However, it’s still a good idea to listen to what your GP suggests and follow their advice.

Photo of doctor writing by Shutterstock