Sick Note for Work
If your employer needs formal absence documentation, our registered UK GPs can review your case online and issue a signed sick note or fit note without the wait.
Every sick note for work is issued following individual clinical review by a licensed UK doctor, making it a legitimate medical document suitable for employer and HR submission.
✔ Signed by a registered UK GP following clinical assessment
✔ Accepted by employers and HR departments across the UK
✔ Most requests reviewed same day, from £47
Let's get started 
All consultations subject to clinical assessment. Issued only where clinically appropriate.
Receive a full refund if we can’t provide a certificate
How It Works
Complete a short online questionnaire
No appointment required. Complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting evidence.
Doctor reviews your evidence
A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission individually. No automated approvals.
✔ Full refund if the GP cannot issue.
Receive your certificate
Most certificates arrive same day or by 9AM next morning, delivered via email a signed PDF. All consultations subject to clinical assessment. Issued only where clinically appropriate.
Very happy, I ordered my Medical Certificate in the early morning hours and before noon time of same day I had it on my inbox. Speedy service and they present the health condition precisely, get to the point.
They meet the incredibly fast turnaround stated (certificate/letter sent before 9am the following morning if the doctor feels that a letter/certificate is appropriate) which is incredibly quick and I am really grateful for the help provided!
Very easy and quick to get my certificate. And the certificate was approved from the specific company to travel with my dog. I will use them again. Well done.
Second time using this company and they are fabulous! Always great, fast, friendly service. Highly recommend!
This was my second time using Medical Cert, and once again the service was exceptionally quick and professional. Everything was handled efficiently, with clear communication throughout.
I found the service very straight forward and quick. Exactly what I needed to get my Padi medical form signed before our holiday. Thank you very much.
Process was easy and responses were quick. I would recommend their service.
Fast efficient service for medical certificates. I used the not fit to fly service and was provided with a certificate the next day, the price is very reasonable and enabled a flight credit refund with my airline. Would recommend and would use again if needed.
A fast and efficient service. It wasn't complicated and the Fit-to-fly note was accepted by the Airport without any further questions. Thank you.
Ideal for me, I am looking to get a certificate for some medical issues I have. So this is the perfect solution for me, uploading docs was easy and the forms very straightforward to fill in. Will definitely use them again. Many thanks.
Excellent service. Easy to use and certificate issued in less than 24 hours. £39 as opposed to the £150 my GP charges. Highly recommended.
Quick and reasonably pain-free. Received their standard certificate as well as my requested bespoke certificate, by email, by 9am the following morning. Both completed properly, signed and stamped as required. More expensive than my GP, but infinitely quicker and easier.
One of the best experiences. It's easy to get a GP note.
Excellent. My GP refuses to issue DWP MED 3 Fit Notes to students. MedicalCert were excellent and extremely helpful in providing a necessary certificate. Highly recommended.
You were amazing, you kept me updated and replied promptly to any queries I had. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
They helped me, they were very professional and nice.
Very pleased. Quick service with very professional letter provided.
Great service, pretty straight forward and easy to use the website.
I was recommended Medical Cert by a friend and was so impressed with the service received. I would recommend using a laptop rather than a phone. Overall a fantastic and fast service.
Sick Note for Work
If your employer is asking for a sick note, get one today from a GMC-registered UK doctor. Accepted by UK employers for absence records and Statutory Sick Pay. No appointment, same day delivery.
When do you need a sick note for work in the UK?
Whether you need a formal sick note depends on how long you have been off work. UK employment law uses a clear 7-day rule, confirmed by GOV.UK and ACAS, that every UK employer must follow.
The 7-day rule
Absences of 7 calendar days or fewer: you can self-certify. No sick note is required by law. You notify your employer that you are unwell, usually on their own form or HMRC form SC2. All calendar days count toward the seven, including weekends and bank holidays. Our guide to self-certification sick notes covers the full process.
Absences of 8 days or more: your employer can legally require a sick note from a registered healthcare professional before they accept the absence as certified or pay Statutory Sick Pay. This is confirmed by GOV.UK guidance on fit notes and the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Some employers also require a sick note for shorter absences, particularly where there is a pattern of frequent short-term sickness. In those situations, including when applying for a sick note for bereavement, a private sick note from MedicalCert is appropriate even before the 7-day threshold has been reached.
How to get a sick note for work online
You can get a sick note for work online in around 10 minutes, without a face-to-face GP appointment or any prior medical history with us. A GMC-registered UK doctor reviews your case and issues a signed certificate, usually the same day.
Complete the online questionnaire
Describe your symptoms, how long you have been unwell, and how your condition is affecting your ability to work, whether it is a sick note for back pain or another physical condition. Be as specific as you can about impact on attendance and duties.
Upload photo ID and supporting evidence
A driving licence or passport, plus any existing prescriptions, GP letters, or medical records that strengthen your case. Supporting evidence is not always required but helps the doctor reach a faster decision.
A GMC-registered doctor reviews your case
Every case is individually assessed by a UK GP. No automated approvals. If the doctor cannot issue a certificate based on the clinical evidence, you receive a full refund.
Receive your signed sick note by email
Most approved certificates are issued same day or by 9AM the next morning at the latest, as a signed PDF you can forward straight to HR or your line manager.
What a sick note for work includes
Every certificate is a legally valid private medical document that your employer is required to accept. Each sick note contains:
Personal details
Your full name, date of birth, and address, matching the ID you submitted.
Medical reason for absence
A description of your condition at the clinical level of detail appropriate for your employer, whether a sick note for anxiety or another health condition. You are not required to share a full diagnosis beyond what appears on the certificate.
Dates and duration
The start date, end date, and recommended total duration of absence, up to 14 days per certificate. Follow-up notes can extend this.
Fitness for work assessment
Either "not fit for work" or "may be fit for work" with recommended adjustments such as a phased return to work, reduced duties, or remote working.
Doctor's credentials
The issuing doctor's full name, GMC registration number, and digital signature. Your employer can verify these on the GMC register at no charge.
Unique reference number
Every certificate carries a unique reference your employer can use for direct verification with MedicalCert.
Private sick note vs NHS Med3 Fit Note: what is the difference?
For workplace purposes, a private sick note and an NHS Med3 fit note are equally valid. Both are accepted by employers for absence records and Statutory Sick Pay. The differences are speed, cost, and eligibility for government benefits: only an NHS Med3 can be used for ESA or Universal Credit claims.
| Private Sick Note (MedicalCert) | NHS Med3 Fit Note | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | GMC-registered UK GP (private) | NHS GP, hospital doctor, or approved healthcare professional |
| Valid for employer absence records | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Valid for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Valid for ESA / Universal Credit | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Appointment required | No, fully online | Usually yes (face-to-face or telephone) |
| Turnaround | Same day (most cases) | Depends on GP availability (often 1 to 3 weeks) |
| Cost | From £47 | Free on the NHS |
| Verifiable by employer | ✔ Yes, via unique reference number | ✔ Yes, via issuing practice |
What is a fit note and what does it mean for your employer?
Fit note definition
A fit note, formally called a Statement of Fitness for Work, is a medical document issued by a registered healthcare professional confirming that you are either "not fit for work" or "may be fit for work" with specific adjustments. The fit note replaced the old-style sick note in April 2010 under changes introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions. Despite the name change, the terms "sick note" and "fit note" are interchangeable in all UK workplace contexts.
For employers, a fit note is the primary medical evidence used to manage sickness absence. When an employee provides a valid fit note, the employer is legally required to:
Record the absence as medically certified
The fit note is the employee's proof that their absence is supported by medical evidence. Employers must accept it for HR records and absence management purposes, as confirmed by GOV.UK fit note guidance for employers.
Pay Statutory Sick Pay where eligible
A valid fit note supports SSP entitlement for absences of 8 days or more. From April 2026, SSP is payable from day one at £123.25 per week with no lower earnings threshold.
Consider workplace adjustments
If the fit note states "may be fit for work" with adjustments, the employer should discuss those recommendations with the employee. ACAS guidance confirms employers should explore adjustments before concluding the employee cannot return.
Follow fair absence management procedures
Employers cannot dismiss or discipline an employee solely for certified sick leave. Any capability or attendance management process must follow the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.
A fit note from a private doctor, including one issued online by MedicalCert, carries exactly the same legal obligations for employers as an NHS-issued Med3. GOV.UK confirms that fit notes from any registered healthcare professional must be accepted. The only difference is that private certificates cannot be used for government benefit applications such as ESA or Universal Credit.
Has Statutory Sick Pay changed in 2026?
If you are signed off work with a valid sick note, including a sick note for depression or any other condition, you are entitled to SSP provided you meet the eligibility criteria. The April 2026 changes mean most employees now qualify more easily than before.
April 2026 SSP changes in detail
Day-one payment. SSP is now payable from day one of absence. The previous three waiting days have been abolished under changes to the Employment Rights Act 1996. You are paid for every certified day off, including the first three days.
Lower earnings limit removed. The previous minimum weekly earnings threshold has been scrapped. Part-time workers, zero-hours contract workers, and lower earners who previously did not qualify now do.
Current rate. £123.25 per week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Many employers also offer contractual sick pay above the statutory minimum, set out in your contract or employee handbook. Check GOV.UK for the most current SSP eligibility guidance.
Your employer cannot refuse to accept a valid sick note from a GMC-registered doctor. They can request a second medical opinion through occupational health, and they can ask for verification of the certificate via the GMC register, but they cannot dismiss the certificate or discipline you for taking certified sick leave. ACAS guidance confirms that employers must follow a fair process before taking any action related to absence.
How long can a doctor give a sick note for?
There is no legal maximum on how long a doctor can sign you off work. The duration is based on clinical judgement: what your condition is, how it affects your ability to work, and how long recovery is expected to take. GOV.UK confirms there is no cap on the total duration of certified sick leave.
Short-term illness
Most sick notes for work cover 1 to 14 days. MedicalCert issues certificates for up to 14 days per note, with follow-up notes available if you remain unwell.
Longer-term conditions
Your doctor can issue fit notes covering weeks or months at a time. After an initial shorter note, subsequent certificates can cover longer periods, up to three months or more, based on clinical assessment.
Mental health conditions
There is no separate limit for mental health sick notes. A doctor can sign you off for depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, or any other mental health condition for as long as is clinically necessary. The same duration rules apply as for physical conditions.
Ongoing or chronic illness
If your condition is long-term, your doctor will reassess at appropriate intervals and issue successive certificates. There is no cap on the total number of sick notes or the total duration of certified absence.
How long can you be off sick before dismissal?
Before considering dismissal on capability grounds, your employer is expected to:
Obtain up-to-date medical evidence
This usually means an occupational health referral or a report from your treating doctor, with your consent. A sick note alone is not sufficient grounds for dismissal, but your employer can use it alongside other medical evidence.
Explore reasonable adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, if your condition qualifies as a disability, your employer has a duty to consider reasonable adjustments before taking any capability action. This includes modified duties, altered hours, or a phased return to work.
Follow a fair capability procedure
ACAS guidance requires employers to hold welfare meetings, keep the employee informed, and allow them to be accompanied. Dismissal without following this process is likely to be unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Consider the prognosis
An employer should consider whether a return to work is likely in a reasonable timeframe. If medical evidence suggests recovery, dismissal is harder to justify. GOV.UK guidance on dismissals due to illness confirms this expectation.
If you are on long-term sick leave and concerned about your job security, seek specific advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice. Having a continuous chain of valid sick notes strengthens your position, as it demonstrates your absence is medically certified throughout.
Can my employer reject a sick note?
No. Under UK employment law, employers are required to accept a valid sick note from a GMC-registered doctor. GOV.UK states that fit notes from any registered healthcare professional must be accepted. This applies regardless of whether the note comes from an NHS GP, a private practice, or an online service. Every certificate is equally valid as medical evidence for workplace absence and SSP purposes.
What your employer CAN do
- → Ask to see the certificate.
- → Verify the doctor's GMC registration number.
- → Contact MedicalCert to confirm the unique reference.
- → Refer you to occupational health for a second opinion.
- → Conduct a return-to-work interview after your absence.
- → Follow their normal absence management process.
What your employer CANNOT do
- → Refuse to record the absence as certified sick leave.
- → Withhold SSP without a legitimate legal reason.
- → Dismiss or discipline you for certified absence.
- → Demand a detailed diagnosis beyond what is on the note.
- → Override the doctor's clinical judgement.
- → Insist you attend work despite the certificate.
If an employer attempts to reject a valid sick note, refer them to GOV.UK guidance on fit notes. ACAS also provides clear guidance on employer obligations in its sickness absence resources. Persistent refusal to accept valid medical evidence may amount to unfair treatment under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Who can issue a fit note for work?
Fit notes are no longer restricted to GPs. Since 1 July 2022, five professions can legally certify a Statement of Fitness for Work: doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. This gives you more options when your GP has a long wait.
Doctors
Any GMC-registered doctor can issue a fit note, including NHS GPs, hospital doctors, and private doctors such as MedicalCert's online GPs.
Nurses
Registered nurses can certify fit notes directly, without a doctor's countersignature, following an assessment of your fitness for work.
Pharmacists
Registered pharmacists can certify fit notes where they have assessed your fitness for work and hold the relevant training, typically within GP or hospital teams.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
Registered physiotherapists and occupational therapists can issue fit notes for conditions within their clinical scope, particularly musculoskeletal injuries and workplace rehabilitation.
Regardless of who issues your fit note, the document carries the same legal weight. Your employer must accept a valid fit note from any of these professionals, as confirmed by GOV.UK guidance on the Statement of Fitness for Work. At MedicalCert, every certificate is issued by a GMC-registered doctor.
Frequently asked questions about sick notes for work
Legislation and guidance referenced on this page
The legal and employment information on this page is drawn from the following authoritative UK sources:
📚 Referenced sources
- 💰 Statutory Sick Pay, GOV.UK: eligibility, current rate (£123.25/week from April 2026), and day-one payment rules following the April 2026 reform. gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay
- 📋 Fit notes (Statement of Fitness for Work), GOV.UK: confirms which healthcare professionals can issue fit notes and that employers must accept them. gov.uk/government/collections/fit-note
- 📋 Fit note guidance for employers and line managers, GOV.UK: employer obligations when receiving a fit note, including adjustment recommendations. gov.uk/fit-note-guidance-for-employers
- 💼 ACAS, sickness absence guidance: employer obligations, employee rights, and fair absence management processes. acas.org.uk/absence-from-work
- 💼 ACAS, fit notes and proof of sickness: when employees need fit notes, self-certification rules, and employer acceptance obligations. acas.org.uk/fit-notes-and-proof-of-sickness
- ⚖️ Employment Rights Act 1996: governs unfair dismissal protections, SSP entitlement, and employee rights during certified sick leave, including the April 2026 amendments.
- ⚖️ Equality Act 2010, GOV.UK: mental health and long-term conditions as protected characteristics; employer duty to make reasonable adjustments before capability action. gov.uk/equality-act-2010-guidance
- ⚖️ Dismissals due to illness, GOV.UK: confirms employers must follow fair procedures and consider medical evidence before dismissing for long-term sickness. gov.uk/dismiss-staff
- 🩺 General Medical Council (GMC): registers and regulates all doctors practising in the UK. All MedicalCert reviewing GPs hold active GMC registration, publicly verifiable at gmc-uk.org
Most approved certificates issued same day or by 9AM next morning. Full refund if we cannot issue your certificate.
