Sickness Certification

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting 7 days or less.

However, your employer may require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence you are sick
If you are sick for more than 7 days, you employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (Statutory Sick Pay).

Your employer can ask you to confirm that you have been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self certification.

If you are sick and off work for more than 7 days, you employer will probably ask for proof of your illness. Most employers ask for a fit note from your GP.

However, this will also depend on your employer's company policy  on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy  should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need to provide proof of illness or a fit note.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner - for example, a dentist.

Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - 'Fit Note'
The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employers support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing information about the effects of your illness or injury. 

For more information see the DirectGov website.
   
 DIRECT GOV WEBSITE