You can now self-certify for up to 28 days, please see link below for further information.
www.gov.uk – Taking sick leave
Sick / Fit Note for less than 7 days
If you have been ill for 7 days or less you don’t need to see a Doctor. You can complete a Self Certification form yourself. However some employers insist on a Doctor’s note regardless. A Doctors note under these circumstances involves a charge of £25.
Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form your can download this Self Certification Form (PDF). Please print it, fill it in and hand it in to your employer.
You do not need to see a Doctor.
Sick / Fit Note for more than 7 days
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. 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.