The NHS provides sickness certification only after seven continuous days of illness.  If you need a sick note to cover up to (including a) 7 day period of sickness you should complete a Self-Certification (SC2) form which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website below. You can potentially claim statutory sick pay from your employer after 3 days of absence.

SC2 Self-Certificate

If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days you may need a Fit Note as well as the SC2 form.

Hospitals should supply a FIT note following an admission or an operation if required.

If you need a FIT note from a GP, please either ring the surgery to make a phone or face to face appointment, or Contact Us Online