GP Sick Notes

You only need a GP sick note if you have been off work sick for more than 7 days in a row (including non-working days). You can easily request a sick note via an online GP consultation form. The GP will review your request and can email or text the digital certificate directly to you.

The 7-Day Rule: Self-Certification

Many patients mistakenly book a GP appointment on their third or fourth day of illness to get a sick note. You do not need to do this.

For the first 7 days of illness, you must “self-certify.” This means you tell your employer you are sick. Your employer will usually provide their own form for you to fill out, or you can download a standard self-certification form from the HMRC website. A GP will usually refuse to issue a sick note for the first 7 days of an illness.