Do I need a doctor's certificate?

Employers cannot ask for a doctor's certificate (or medical statement – now known as a fit note rather than a sick note) for the first seven days of a spell of sickness.

But employers are entitled to ask for evidence that you have been off sick. Employers can set rules such as:

• Asking you to notify them on the first day of absence.
• Following this up by asking you to complete a self-certification form for spells of between 1 and 7 days.
• Asking for a doctor's statement (fit note) after 7 days' absence.

A new system of GP medical statements was introduced in April 2010. The new 'fit note' (rather than sick note) can either indicate that a person is “not fit for work” or that they “may be fit for work taking account of the following advice” and the GP can recommend a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations. For more information, see the TUC advice on fit notes.