If your employer asks for a fit note for the first 7 days then you let them know that the statutory sick manual for employers CA30 paragraph 28 which states that 'the employer cannot ask for a doctors statement for the first 7 days of a spell of sickness'. The purpose of this regulation is to avoid the necessity for employees with minor self-limiting illness or injury to use the surgery appointments for sole purpose of obtaining a medical certificate.               

            You can complete a self certification form:

         Download Self Certification Form here   

If you have been ill and off work for more than seven days, your employer will normally ask you to provide a medical certificate from your GP.

If this is your first request for a fit (sick) note for this illness or you have have been in hospital or had an operation you can request one using our Online Admin Request link as follows: 

Request a fit (sick) note using this online admin request form

NOTE: please make sure we have an updated email address as all fit (sick) notes are emailed to you

There is evidence that an amended fit (sick) note (may be fit for work), can help you to return to work earlier.

As an alternative the usual fit (sick) note which states you are completely unfit for any form of work, the amended fit (sick) note is to discuss how you can return to work with changes/adaptions/amendments which could be made and this option can be used for any type of job whether manual or office based.

An amended note means that you may be fit for work taking into account one or more of the following options: . 

          1    Phased return - this is usually for anyone who has been ill for over 2 to 4 weeks but could be longer. This option has to be agreed and                                             negotiated with the employer.   

2       Amended duties - this would allow you to undertake certain duties but not others and will be written on the fit (sick) note. 

3       Altered hours - this is about talking to your employers concerning how your working hours could adjusted as part of your rehabilitation. 

4       Workplace adaptions - this is about any adjustments to your work environment to allow you to return or remain in work.

Request amended duties on your fit (sick) note

There is clear evidence that work is usually beneficial for physical and mental health. For anyone sho has been off work for more than 4 weeks, the chances of returning to work are reduced the longer they stay off work. There is strong evidence that return to work, promotes recovery and aids rehabilitation as well as improving physical and mental health and well being. 

Moreover, unemployment is associated with an increased risk of physical and mental ill health and in some cases, could lead to premature death. In the light of this, you may be interested in receiving support to return to the workplace.

When your fit note is about to run out and you have been off work for 4 weeks or more, the doctor/nurse may decline your request. This will trigger a text message from the surgery offering you a referral to the social prescribing team for further discussion and support, with the aim of referring to the Workwell employment coaching service.  The referral form will be completed by the social prescribers if you agree.  If you are interested in this option, our social prescribing please complete the online form as below: 

Request a referral to Social Prescribers for employment support

If, you would prefer to do this yourself, you can self refer into the Workwell employment coaching service. Please complete the online form below: 

WorkWell self referral form

If a referral to social prescribers for employment workcoaching, is not appropriate, it may be more appropriate to request an amended fit note from the GP/nurse which will allow you to return to work taking into account either a phased return, amended duties, altered hours or workplace adjustments as above. A Care Navigator will book you a telephone appointment to discuss this further with the GP/Nurse.

If you have been in hospital, had an operation or you have a serious health condition which prevents you from all forms of work, a doctor/nurse will review your request and where appropriate, issue another fit note without a consultation. Fit (sick) notes can be back-dated but not forward dated . This will be emailed on request or available for collection from reception if you do not have an email address.  

If you are under the care of a hospital, your certificate should be issued by the hospital, rather than by the practice.