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Sick (Fit) Notes (MED3)

If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less

  • You do not need a medical certificate from your GP.
  • Your employer may ask you to complete a self-certification form when you return to work.
  • The form is available from your employer or on the GOV.UK website.

If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days

  • You will need a sick note (MED3 certificate) from your GP.
  • To request one, please complete a Sick Note Request Form.
  • A clinician may need to contact you before issuing the certificate.

Useful information

For more information, visit the NHS guidance on fit notes.

Sick notes can be back-dated, but cannot be issued for future dates.

If your current note is due to run out and you are still unwell, please submit a new request before it expires.

Page published: 9 May 2023
Last updated: 27 November 2025