A fit note, also known as a sick note, is an official statement from a registered healthcare professional that provides evidence of the advice given about a patients fitness for work. It records details of the functional effects of the patients condition so that the patient and their employer can consider ways to help them return to work. The fit note can say that the patient is either "not fit for work" or "may be fit for work".
The healthcare professionals who can provide fit notes include doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. If someone is off sick for seven calendar days or less, including weekends, they do not need a fit note and can self-certify. However, some employers may request medical evidence from employees who repeatedly take time off sick, even if each time theyre off work its for seven days or less.
If someone is off work sick for more than seven days, their employer will usually ask them to get a fit note from their doctor. There is never a charge from a healthcare professional for providing a fit note if someone is off sick from work for more than seven days. However, for sickness of seven days or less, a GP practice may charge to provide a private medical certificate.
