If you have been ill for more than 7 days you will need a doctor’s certificate. These certificates are called ‘Fitness To Work’ Certificates.

The doctor may call you or arrange for an appointment.

There is good evidence that work promotes physical and mental well-being. You may feel that you are fit to do some work, but not the role you are currently employed to do at this time. You should speak with your employer to see if they can consider any changes to your current duties or working hours. Visit fitforwork.org for further practical advice, and information on what your employer legally needs to consider for you.

If you still feel that you need a fit note from the GP, please complete the below with as much detail as possible. Your GP will assess your fitness to work, and determine whether your health condition impairs your fitness to work or not. If your GP feels that your health condition does impair your fitness to work, you will receive your certificate through the post or contacted to collect from the practice. The GP will determine if ‘you are not fit for work’ or ‘you may be fit for work taking account of advice’ eg currently unable to stand for long periods of time.

Please give your GP as much detail as possible to assist with their decision.