Quick takeaways

• In the UK, self-certification is sufficient where an employee is taking seven consecutive sick days or less.

• If the period of absence is longer than 7 days, a fit note can be issued by a GP or other medical professional.

• Employers should apply policies consistently, record absences using an absence management system like Leave Dates, and support staff wellbeing rather than requesting unnecessary proof.

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Sick days happen; it’s part of working life. From a cold to a crippling migraine, or even a wellbeing day, every manager will occasionally receive a last-minute sick day notice.

At times, staff may need to provide proof of illness, but before sending them to the doctor when they should be resting, check whether it’s actually required.

Scenario: Priya’s midweek absence

Priya wakes up early on Tuesday morning with flu-like symptoms and submits a sick day request in her Leave Dates mobile app. She expects to return by the end of the week, although she is unsure just yet.

Her manager is unsure whether to request that she upload a fit note with her request to confirm the absence or if she can self-certify.

The legal position in the UK

Fortunately, the law is obvious that employees are not required to submit a fit note if their period of absence is seven consecutive calendar days or less. Currently, Priya’s manager does not need to ask her for a fit note.

If Priya’s condition worsened and she was still unable to return by the following Tuesday, her manager could reasonably require evidence from a medical professional. Providing this evidence is crucial to eligibility for statutory sick pay (SSP) or company sick pay.

Who can issue a fit note?

Fit notes can be issued by a GP, hospital doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist, or physiotherapist.

The fit note will stipulate whether the employee is:

• Not fit for work, or
• May be fit for work (with reasonable adjustments).

The employee will be considered not fit for work if the adjustments cannot be agreed upon.

Are there any other professionals who can certify sickness?

An employee can also submit an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report if the employer agrees that this is sufficient.

The following professionals can issue an AHP Health and Work Report:

• Art Therapist
• Dramatherapist
• Chiropodist
• Dietitian
• Music therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Operating Department Practitioner
• Orthoptist
• Osteopath
• Orthotist
• Paramedic
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Prosthetist
• Radiographer
• Speech and language therapist

Am I being unreasonable for not asking for a fit note?

No, not at all. If a staff member is off for one or two days, asking for a fit note could be putting unnecessary strain on healthcare services. Often, your employee needs a short rest and reset.

Self-certification is standard practice in the UK and is also recognised under its laws.

Best practice for managers

To be fair and consistent with short-term absences:

• Create a clear sickness policy that sets out when fit notes are required and how to self-certify. Ensure all staff have access to this policy and are notified of any changes.
• Use discretion for sensitive cases, such as ongoing health conditions or caring responsibilities. Be sure to keep records secure and confidential.
• Support wellbeing by encouraging staff to recover fully rather than feeling pressured to return too soon.
• Keep records of all absences, even short ones, to spot patterns over time. This is easy to do using a leave management system like Leave Dates.

Final thought

For seven consecutive calendar days or fewer, you do not need to request a fit note from an employee on sick leave. Self-certification is more than sufficient under UK law.

Maintaining clear policies and applying them consistently enables you to strike a balance between fairness towards your unwell employee and fairness towards the rest of your team.

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FAQs

Do employees need a fit note for one or two days off sick?

No. Employees can self-certify if their absence is seven consecutive calendar days or less.

Can I request a fit note earlier than 7 days?

Yes, but it is not usually recommended unless there is an exceptional case. It is always recommended to seek advice from HR or legal if you plan to do this.

What if someone is sick during their holiday?

Your employee is allowed to take sick leave instead of annual leave if they fall ill during their holidays.

What if the fit note says ‘may be fit for work’?

An agreement must be made over possible adjustments. This could be reduced hours, light duties, or even working from home or another location. If an agreement cannot be reached, the employee must be considered not fit for work.

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The information in this article is general and may not apply to specific circumstances. It should not be considered legal advice. We strive to provide accurate information, but cannot guarantee its accuracy. We are not responsible for any losses resulting from reliance on the information on this site.