COVID Sick (Fit) Notes
We are unable to provide sick notes for self isolation due to Covid.  . 
We are pleased you are following government advice and protecting yourself or others around you. 

  • If you are off work because of symptoms related to Covid then you need to self isolate for 7 days.  You can download a certificate for this at https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
   
  • If you are off for 12 weeks because you fall into one of the vulnerable groups, then you either need to work from home if your employer has supported this or otherwise discuss with your employer what you need to do.  You can show them the guidance below and what our advice to them is
 
 
“By law employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is absent from work for more than seven days due to sickness. We would ask you to apply this discretion to help support NHS general practice provide care for our population rather than being asked to fulfil unnecessary administrative tasks.
 
Should you decide on taking disciplinary action against an employee purely on the grounds of being unable to provide the sickness medical certification relating to Covid-19 pandemic we would make it very clear in any disciplinary/grievance/tribunal reports that under the circumstances we would deem your action inappropriate.”
 
If you have any problems resolving disputes, we would suggest you contact ACAS https://www.acas.org.uk/ to help. 

Sick (Fit) Notes
You will be provided with one sick note. You are free to make copies of and distribute to any agencies asking to see it. We can't acomodate requests for multiple signed copies of sick notes.

For more information on the rules governing sick leave visit the GOV.UK website. To request a sick note please contact one of our clinicians.

Fit note is the new official name for a sick note. You do not need a sick note for any illness lasting less than seven days. For this period you can 'self certificate'. Your employer may ask you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or the GOV.UK website.

We can not issue a sick notes sick note if you have been unwell for less than seven days. We can not back date a note to start before your first consultation about an illness. The rules applied to sick notes are strict and we must adhere to them.

We can write a letter if you employer insists on written evidence for fewer than seven days off work. There will be a charge for this. This is not a sick note but a letter from your GP to your employer confirming you have consulted with us. The letter does not start the clock ticking with respect to statutory sick pay.

Frequently asked questions

I have been off work for less than seven days do I need a fit note?
No. For the first seven calendar days of any illness you do not require a fit note and can self-certify. A form can be downloaded on the GOV.UK website. Or you can ask for a copy from your employer. You only need a fit note if your absence is for longer than seven calendar days.
Do I need a note saying I am fit to return to work after a period of absence?
No you do not need to see your doctor again to be signed as fit to return to work. Please see NHS choices for further information.
my employer says I need evidence I am fit to work before I can return?
We understand that some employers may have this policy however a doctor cannot issue a standard fit note for this purpose. If your employers require this medical evidence they should help you arrange this either privately via a GP or occupational health specialist.
Do I need to be fully recovered before I return to work?
In some circumstances it may be possible to return to work before full recovery with some adaptions in place. Some examples include temporarily working different hours or having your duties amended to reflect your health needs such as avoiding heavy lifting. These can be stated on your standard fit note. If your employers are unable to meet these requirements then the same fit note can be used as a ‘not fit to work’ note for that period, you will not require a new one.
Are there any other requirements for returning to work?
For some jobs there may be other requirements you need to meet before you can return to it. This particularly applies if you hold a category 2 driving license for example if you drive a taxi, heavy goods vehicle or bus. For further information on this please see the GOV.UK website which holds up-to-date information on driving with a health condition or disability.
Where can I find further information about fit notes?
You can find further information for both employees and employers on the GOV.UK website. There is also free return to work advice and support from Fit for Work. This can be found on their website where you can also chat online to a specialist advisor. They also have a dedicated helpline for work based queries on 0800 032 6235.

School Absence Notes

By no fault of parents themselves, sadly we find that appointments are consumed solely for the purpose of asking for doctors notes. Please can we reassure you that Children do not need sick notes for sick days from school. We will not provide them. If your school insists on proof of a consultation please give them a copy of this letter or direct them to this page of the website to view the letter themselves.

Thank you for your understanding about this.