Sickness Certification

Sickness absence less than seven days

• If you are ill and unable to attend work for less than seven days, you do not need a sick note from your doctor.
• You will need to inform your employer and if necessary, complete a self certification form. This form is obtained from your employer. 
• If you request a sick note before seven days this is deemed to be a private sick note and a fee will be charged for this.

Sickness absence more than seven days

• For absences of seven days or more, you need a sick note from the doctor.  You will need to make an appointment to see the doctor for this.
• If your illness extends beyond the period certified by the doctor, you will need to see the doctor again for an extension. Occasionally, a telephone call may be sufficient, if this has been previously agreed with the GP.
• If you have been discharged from the hospital and require a sick note, please supply a copy of the hospital discharge note. A sick note can be made on the basis of information on the discharge letter. 

Notes which are issued for reasons other than those circumstances detailed above fall outside the NHS contract will be charged for.

Sick certificates are not issued for school children.