Been ill for 7 days or less? Posted or Updated on 15 Apr 2024

If you have been ill for 7 days or less you don’t need to see a Doctor. You can complete a Self-Certification form yourself.

Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form you can complete this Self Certification Form. You don’t need to see a Doctor.

If you're off work sick for more than seven days your employer will normally request a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from your GP or hospital doctor. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as sick notes, medical statements or a doctor's note and you will need to arrange an appointment with a doctor to have one issued.

However some employers may insist on a Doctor’s Fitness to Work Certificate regardless of how long the employee has had off. For a small number of jobs there are existing procedures for stating someone is fit for work (e.g. the DVLA Form D4 for LGV/ PCV drivers). If this is the case, you should follow this procedure.

Otherwise, if you require your employee is formally signed off as ‘fit for work’, then you will need to make a private arrangement with a GP or occupational health specialist.

At Latchford Medical Centre, we do not offer this private service.