Sick (fit) notes

First week of sickness

You do not require a doctor’s sick note for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website, click this link for the Employee’s statement of sickness to claim Statutory Sick Pay form.

Evidence that you are sick

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’ from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise. To get a a sick note, you will need to have a consultation with a GP, to arrange this, complete a PATCHS questionnaire or call the practice on 0151 644 0055 and speak to a trained Health Navigator.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist or a hospital consultant. 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.

Sick note extension

An extension of a sicknote that is not classed as an emergency. You should let your employer know that you will be extending your sick leave and that you have requested an extension. The GP will make every effort to process your request in a timely manner but there can be delays, sick notes can be back-dated.

If you need a sick note from a GP, you can do one of the following

• Email cmicb-wi.reception-sunlight@nhs.net with your name, date of birth, reason & extension time required, but the subject ‘sick note request’ for clarity.
• Complete a PATCHS questionnaire making sure to advise of the extension length required.
• Call the practice on 0151 644 0555 and speak to a Health Navigator, they will ask you the appropriate questions and pass your request on to the appropriate GP.
• Attend one of our Practice locations and speak to one of our Health Navigators, they will ask you the appropriate questions and pass your request on to the appropriate GP. To find our where we are located, click here.