What is Sick Note & When Do I Need One? Complete Guide for United Kingdom

A sick note, officially called a “fit note” in the UK since 2010, is your official proof when illness keeps you from work. If you’ve ever worried about losing pay or facing questions from your boss after a few sick days, this document has your back. Under UK law, it’s required after 7 days of absence, but many turn to GetMedicalCertificate.com for legitimate digital versions without NHS wait times.
This complete guide breaks down everything from legal rules to step-by-step processes so you know exactly when and how to get one

What is a Sick Note (Fit Note)?

The fit note replaced the old “sick note” to focus on what you can do, not just what you can’t. Issued by GPs, nurses, or physiotherapists, it states if you’re “not fit for work” or “may be fit” with adjustments like reduced hours.

  • Key contents: Your details, diagnosis summary, recommended absence duration, doctor’s credentials (name, registration, signature), and verification contact.

  • Legal status: Valid for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from day 4, up to 28 weeks.

  • Digital vs paper: PDFs from online services like GetMedicalCertificate.com are widely accepted when printed.

Unlike self-certification (days 1-7), it proves ongoing issues like flu, stress, or injuries to employers and benefits offices.

When Do You Need a Sick Note for Work?

UK rules are clear: Self-certify first 7 calendar days (including weekends); get a fit note beyond that. But employer policies often demand it sooner.

  • Mandatory cases: Absences over 7 days for SSP claims; long-term illness (e.g., COVID recovery, mental health).

  • Common triggers: Flu lasting 10+ days, migraines, back pain, anxiety/burnout affecting performance.

  • SSP impact: No note? No pay from day 8. Employers may require it regardless for records.

  • Other uses: Schools, insurance claims, jury service excuses.

Check your contract some jobs (e.g., healthcare) need notes from day 1. GetMedicalCertificate.com explicitly offers “Sick Leave Certificates” for work/school absences due to illness, injury, or mental health.

Legal Requirements Under UK Employment Law

The Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act mandates fit notes for incapacity benefits. Employers can’t dismiss you for sickness without following fair processes, but notes protect your pay.

  • Self-certification form: SC2 or employer version covers first week.

  • SSP rules: £116.75/week (2025 rate), employer-paid if earning £123+/week.

  • Extended absence: GP note renewals every 4-12 weeks; occupational health may assess.

Online platforms comply via telemedicine, issuing notes with full doctor details for verification.

Step-by-Step: Getting a Sick Note via GetMedicalCertificate.com

GetMedicalCertificate.com makes it clinic-free: 24/7 access, chat consultation, PDF in minutes for €34.99.

Step 1: Access and Select Service  

Visit GetMedicalCertificate.com, click “Get Medical Certificate.” Choose “Sick Leave Certificate” for work absence due to illness/stress.

Step 2: Complete Secure Questionnaire  

Fill in the details accurately:

  • Personal info: Name, DOB, address, employer/job role.

  • Health details: Symptoms (e.g., fever, anxiety), onset date, expected recovery.

  • Absence info: Start date, duration needed (backdated up to 1 month with proof).
    Upload optional docs like prescriptions.

Step 3: Secure Payment  

Pay online (non-refundable); get instant confirmation email.

Step 4: Doctor Review & Chat Consultation  

Licensed pro reviews case, sends email chat link no video/call needed. Discuss symptoms; mental health may require therapist input.

Step 5: Receive Digital Sick Note  

Approved? High-res PDF emailed immediately with:

  • Diagnosis/condition statement.

  • Rest period recommendation.

  • Doctor’s name, qualifications, registration, digital stamp/signature, verification email.

Step 6: Submit and Track  

Print/email to HR. Keep copies; reapply for extensions as new cases.

Required Information and Validity

You must provide ID proof like a passport or driver’s license, along with your symptom timeline and how it’s affecting your job. We double-check the form before issuing the note, and there are no changes allowed after ward. These notes are valid across the UK when verifiable, and printouts are accepted instead of originals.

Costs, Refunds, and NHS Alternatives

Our private online service costs €34.99 and delivers the same day. The NHS option is free but comes with 2-week waits. All payments are non-refundable, and we send a digital PDF only after delivery.

Benefits and Limitations

You get instant access without GP queues, covering issues like mental health, injuries, or burnout. Notes are multi-language and accepted across the EU. However, they’re not for medico-legal use, approval is at the doctor’s discretion, and minors under 16 need a guardian.

What to Do After Getting Your Sick Note

Submit the note to HR or payroll on Day 8. Discuss any return-to-work adjustments with your employer. Renew if needed, track your SSP, and use it for insurance or universal credit claims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I self-certify for the first week of sickness?
    Yes, absolutely you’re entitled to self-certify for the first 7 calendar days of illness, including weekends and bank holidays. This means filling out a simple self-certification form (like the SC2 form from the government or your employer’s own version). No doctor’s involvement is needed during this period, and most employers accept this without question. However, from day 8 onwards, you must provide a fit note from a qualified medical professional to continue receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or to comply with company policy. Keep records of your self-certification dates, as they form the bridge to your official fit note.

  • Is a video consultation required to get a sick note online?
    No, video consultations are not required at all with services like GetMedicalCertificate.com. The process uses a secure email chat link after your form submission and payment. A licensed health professional reviews your detailed questionnaire first, then connects via text chat to ask any clarifying questions about your symptoms, duration needed, or job impact. This keeps things quick, private, and convenient no need to dress up, find good lighting, or worry about tech glitches. Most users complete this in under 10 minutes and receive their PDF certificate immediately after approval.

  • What happens if my employer rejects my online sick note?
    Employer rejections are rare but can happen if they question authenticity. First, direct them to the verification email and doctor contact details clearly printed on every GetMedicalCertificate.com note these allow instant confirmation of legitimacy. If issues persist, politely reference UK employment law (fit notes don’t need to be on specific paper; digital/print versions are valid). Escalate to ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free advice they mediate disputes. In 99% of cases, showing the doctor’s credentials resolves it. Always keep digital copies and submit promptly on Day 8 to avoid pay delays.

  • Can I get a sick note for mental health reasons like stress or anxiety?
    Yes, mental health conditions are fully covered, including stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, or panic disorders. GetMedicalCertificate.com specializes in these, issuing “Sick Leave Certificates” that detail your symptoms and recommended rest period. During the chat consultation, be specific about how it affects work (e.g., concentration issues, sleep disruption). For more complex cases, they may involve a therapist session, but approval is common for genuine needs. The certificate includes a professional diagnosis statement, making it SSP-eligible and employer-acceptedjust like physical illnesses.

  • Can sick notes be backdated, and how far back?
    Yes, backdating is possible up to 1 month for sick leave certificates, but only with proper proof like symptom logs, prescriptions, or prior medical records. The issue date remains current (day you apply), but the absence period can cover past days. During your GetMedicalCertificate.com consultation, explain the timeline the doctor decides based on evidence at their discretion. This is ideal if you’ve been ill but delayed getting documentation. Note: Fitness/general certificates can’t be backdated; they’re always current.

  • Are these sick notes valid for school, college, or university absences too?
    AbsolutelyGetMedicalCertificate.com’s Sick Leave Certificates are explicitly designed for educational institutions as well as workplaces. They state your inability to attend due to illness, injury, or mental health, with clear dates and recovery recommendations. Schools, colleges, and universities across the UK widely accept them, especially printed PDFs with full doctor credentials. Students often use them for exam deferrals or attendance management. Just inform the purpose in your form, and the certificate will be tailored accordingly.

  • Can I apply for a sick note while travelling abroad or from outside the UK?
    Yes, the service is fully globalGetMedicalCertificate.com works from anywhere with internet, perfect for business trips, holidays, or expats. As long as you provide accurate details and ID, a licensed professional reviews your case regardless of location. Your digital PDF arrives in your email instantly, ready to print or forward to UK employers/schools. They abide by worldwide telehealth guidelines, ensuring validity for UK use even if you’re overseas.

Final Thoughts

Sick notes (fit notes) are essential after 7 days’ absence for pay protection and compliance. GetMedicalCertificate.com delivers legitimate ones fast-form, chat, PDFperfect when NHS delays hit. Don’t risk unpaid leave; get documented proof today for stress-free recovery.