Sick leave
Less than 28 days
It is not necessary to obtain a fit note (“sick note”) from a GP unless you have been absent from work for more than 7 days in a row. This includes non-working days and bank holidays.
From 27 January 2022 you will need to provide a fit note after 7 days of sickness to claim benefits or claim Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
More than 7 days
Once you have been off sick for more than 7 days in a row you can obtain a fit note (“sick note”) from your GP. This can often be done by completing an eConsultation. Or if it is a continuing problem, a telephone consultation with the GP who saw you previously for the condition, again there may be no need for you to be seen in person.
If you have been in Hospital, a fit note (“sick note”) can be issued by the Hospital Doctor or by completing an e-Consultation or telephone consultation with your own GP, who will have been informed by the Hospital of your visit. It is not normally necessary for the GP to see you in person. If you have not been seen by a GP before for the current problem and it is not a continuing condition it may be necessary for you to speak to a GP. This can be arranged by a telephone consultation.
