Do you need a fit note?
If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less
You do not need a fit note from the practice.
You can self-certify your absence from work for the first 7 calendar days. Your employer may ask you to complete a self-certification form.
You can find more information about self-certification on GOV.UK.
If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days
You can request a fit note from the practice.
A clinician may need to contact you before a fit note can be issued.
Request a fit note →

Before you request a fit note
I’d keep this visible, because it’s useful before someone clicks:
- Fit notes can be backdated where appropriate.
- Fit notes cannot be issued for future dates.
- If you need to extend an existing fit note, submit a new request when your current note is due to expire.
- Please provide as much information as possible about your illness and how it is affecting your ability to work.