GP fit notes

If you've been off work sick for several days, then you may need to show your employer a fit note (also known as an NHS sick note) from your GP to confirm that you've been ill and that you're able to return to work.

You can request a GP fit note using our online system. Find out more below.

How to get a fit note

You can request a fit note from your GP using our online system to complete a form. Once you have completed the form, your GP will get in contact to either issue a fit note to say that you’re fit to work or book an appointment to see you face-to-face. This depends on your illness and whether you’ve been in hospital.

At the appointment, your GP will assess you and give you medical advice. Based on your appointment, they will be able to tell if you are fit for work but might need to make some possible changes, or if you are not fit for work. You can use the link below to request a fit note from your GP.

Request a fit note

When do you need a fit note

Seven days off sick or less

If you’re off sick for less than seven days, then your employer shouldn’t ask for a fit note. However, they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill and that you’re better to return to work. This is called a self-certification, and you can get the form from your employer.

Download a template self certification form

More than seven days off sick

If you’re off work sick for more than seven days, then your employer might ask for a fit note to show evidence from your GP that you were not fit to work. You can use our online system to request a GP fit note.

Further information

You can find more information about fit notes on the When do I need a fit note page on the NHS website.

Frequently asked questions

Self Certification Forms/Sick Notes

Your employer may ask you to confirm that you've been ill for the first 7 days. You can do this by filling in a form yourself. This is called self-certification.

Self-certification forms usually include details such as:

  • information about your sickness or illness
  • the date your sickness started
  • the date your sickness ended

These dates may be days that you don't normally work. For example, your sickness could start or end on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday.

Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn't have their own form, instead they may use an SC2 form from HM Revenue & Customs Employee's Statement of Sickness.

If you have been ill for more than 7 days in a row and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays. For requesting sick/fit notes please use AccuRx link above to contact us.

Download a template self certifcation form

Charges for fit notes

There is usually no charge for providing a fit note if you are off sick for more than 28 days.

Some employers may request a fit note (e.g. from employees who repeatedly take time off sick) even if they are off work for 28 days or less. This is a private non-NHS medical certificate.

When your fit note runs out

If your certificate runs out, but you are still sick, please request a further sicknote by using the AccuRx link above.

Fit certificates can be back-dated so it is not necessary to make an emergency appointment to renew your certificate.