Getting a fit note
If you're unwell and cannot work, you may need a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) for your employer.
When you need a fit note
You might need a fit note if you're unwell and cannot work for more than 7 days, including weekends and bank holidays.
You do not need a fit note if you cannot work for 7 days or less.
A fit note can support you to return to work or stay in work. You can also use your fit note to help you claim benefits or statutory sick pay (SSP).
Please note that Vine Medical Group does not provide examinations and sickness certificates for school children. See the section below titled 'Fit notes for examination and school children' for more information.
How to get a fit note
You can ask for a fit note from us to help support your care by filling out our online form below.
Please note that we are unable to issue a fitnote until after you have had a GP appointment.
Please only use the form below after you have had a GP appointment. The fitnote can be backdated.
Please note that all approved fitnotes are now issued electronically via receipt of an SMS with a link to click to view/download your fitnote. This will be sent to the mobile number you enter in your request.
Going back to work
You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to.
Talk to your employer if you feel well enough to return to work before the end date on your fit note, for example if:
- you've recovered from your illness or injury sooner than expected
- your employer can make reasonable adjustments to help you return to work (GOV.UK)
You do not need to see a healthcare professional again to go back to work. Your employer may ask for confirmation that you’re fit for work, but healthcare professionals do not have to provide this.
Depending on your job, you may need to meet other requirements before you can return to work after being ill.
For example, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) rules will apply if you drive a large vehicle like a lorry or bus.
Find out more about driving with a medical condition or disability on GOV.UK
Charges for a fit note
You do not need to pay for a fit note if you're off sick for more than 7 days.
However, your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer, or you can download it from the HMRC website.
Fit notes for examination and school children
The following is guidance from the British Medical Association.
It should be noted that GPs do not provide sick notes for schoolchildren.
When children are absent from school owing to illness, schools may request a letter from a parent or guardian, and this is no different during an exam period.
However, children who have missed exams due to illness are frequently told by schools that a note from a doctor is required; but this cannot be provided by a GP.
Aside from the fact that parents/guardians are responsible for excusing their children from school, GPs cannot provide retrospective sickness certification.
When a child suffers from a long-term condition, any certification will be provided by the responsible specialist.
GPC has sought and received confirmation from the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator that Awarding Organisations make no requirement for pupils to obtain a medical certificate in support of their application for special consideration.
Students are asked for information in support of their application, but this may take the form of a statement by the school.
The Joint Council for Qualifications has confirmed that as far as they are concerned, if a student was absent from an examination as a result of illness and has the support of the school or centre to be absent, special consideration will be granted on that basis.
Awarding organisations do not insist that medical proof is provided.