Question 1

What is a fit note?

Accepted Answer

A fit note is a document that's issued by a doctor, confirming that you have a medical condition that affects your ability to work. It's also known as a sick note, a doctor’s note or a Statement of Fitness for Work.

If you’ve been ill for 7 or more consecutive days, you need a fit note to be off work. Every day counts towards that 7 days – including weekends and bank holidays.

Question 2

What does a sick note say?

Accepted Answer

A sick note usually includes information about your illness or injury, and provides advice about the activities you can and cannot do at work. It also states the expected duration of your absence from work.

It might be that you’re fit enough to do some work but are advised against doing certain tasks. For example, if you work in a factory and have a back injury, you might be able to carry out light tasks, but no heavy lifting.

A sick note can be used by a doctor to suggest ways for your employer to help their employee get back to work. These are known as ‘reasonable adjustments’ and could involve having:
- Different day-to-day tasks
- Additional support from other employees or managers
- Changes to your workstation
- Changes to your work pattern or hours
- A phased return to work with less hours to start with

If it’s not possible for your employer to make the adjustments recommended by the doctor, the sick note will say that you’re 'not fit for work'.

Question 3

How to get a sick note in the UK

Accepted Answer

You’ll need to book a GP appointment – either at a local practice or via the Livi app – so a doctor can assess your health. The GP can then decide whether you’re fit enough for work and how long you may need to recover before you return to work.

Your employer can take a copy of the sick note and you should keep the original. If you speak to Livi GP about getting an online sick note, you can get it sent straight to your inbox without having to leave home.

Question 4

Can you get a sick note online for free?

Accepted Answer

You can get a sick note for free via the NHS if the doctor assessing you decides you’re unfit for work. If you want to avoid going to the doctor’s and get a sick note online instead, you can book a video appointment with a Livi GP who can assess you for a sick note.

If your NHS GP practice is partnered with Livi, the appointment and sick note will be free. If your NHS practice isn’t partnered with Livi, you’ll pay a one-off fee to have an appointment with a Livi GP. The doctor can send your sick note online via the Livi app.

Question 5

What is self-certification?

Accepted Answer

Self-certification is a process that allows you to certify your own illness or injury if you're off work for 7 consecutive days or less. This means that you don't need a fit note from a doctor.

When you return to work after sick leave, your employer may direct you to a HR system or a form used to self-certify.

Question 6

How much does a sick note cost?

Accepted Answer

A sick note through the NHS won’t cost you anything if you're off work for more than 7 days. But if you need a private medical certificate for 7 days or less, there may be a charge from your GP practice.

A private medical certificate can be requested by your employer if you're frequently off sick for short periods of time. A sick note can’t be used for this purpose.

Question 7

Getting a sick note for an ESA claim

Accepted Answer

If you're making a claim for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it’s likely you’ll need to provide a fit note as part of your application. A member of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Jobcentre can advise you on whether you need a sick note for your ESA claim.

Question 8

Do sick notes have to be from a GP?

Accepted Answer

A sick note must be signed by a GP or other relevant medical professional.

Question 9

How long can a doctor give a sick note for?

Accepted Answer

The length of a sick note will depend on the specific circumstances of your illness or injury. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the expected duration of your absence from work.

Question 10

How to read the date on a sick note

Accepted Answer

The date on a sick note should be shown clearly on the document. The date will show when the fit note was issued and the length of your absence from work. The dates given on your sick note are inclusive.

Question 11

Extending a sick note

Accepted Answer

If you need to extend your sick note, you'll need to see a GP again to get a new one. The doctor will assess your condition and provide updated information about your ability to work. You can book an appointment with a Livi GP to discuss extending your sick note.

Question 12

Can a doctor refuse to give you a sick note?

Accepted Answer

A doctor may not be able to give you a sick note if they feel it's not necessary, or if they don't believe you have a medical condition that affects your ability to work.

Question 13

Can an employer override a doctor's sick note in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Legally, an employer cannot override a sick note from a doctor. If you’ve been certified as not fit to work by a doctor, your employer should respect the recommendations of the medical professional and not ask you to work.

If an employer has concerns about the validity or authenticity of a fit note, they may ask for more information or seek a second opinion from another doctor.

Question 14

How to send a fit note

Accepted Answer

To send a fit note, you should get one from a doctor, and then either give it to your employer in person or send it by post or email. If you send it by post, you may want to let your employer know by phone or email that it’s on its way, in case there’s a delay.

Online sick notes

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