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. Your can either write a letter to your employer or, if you prefer, there is a form called a Statutory Sick Pay Form or Employees Statement of Sickness (form SC2). These can be downloaded via the following link:
After 1 week
Once you have been off sick for more than one week you can obtain a sick note from a doctor. This can be done by a telephone consultation with your own doctor who may be able to issue a certificate without you needing to be seen. Or, if it is a continuing problem, a telephone consultation from the doctor who you saw previously for the condition, again there may be no need for you to be seen in person. If you have not been seen by a doctor before for the current problem and it is not a continuing condition, it may be necessary for you to be seen by a doctor in person. This can be arranged by telephoning 01249 713019 for a routine appointment.
Back dating a sick note
It is possible for a sick note to be back dated so you do not need to be seen urgently or on the day that your sick note expires. It can be issued at a later date and back dated at the doctor’s discretion. A doctor may also extend a sick note without you being seen again. A request for another sick note can be made by telephoning your doctor’s personal assistant or asking one of the reception staff.
Private Certificates
Sick notes from the doctor are normally free of charge (unless you request a duplicate or replacement sick note). However, if you require a private sick note and have been absent from work for less than five days, there is a charge.
Sick notes covering 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 stay in hospital and the ‘expected’ recovery time afterwards. This certificate should be obtained before you are discharged from hospital.