Work and health
What to do when you’re off work
A fit note (sometimes called a sick note) may be needed when illness or injury prevents you from working. Choose the option that matches how long you have been off.
If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less
If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill. Instead, they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. We call this self-certification.
If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days
You may need a fit note if you have been unable to work for more than 7 calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays.
To request a fit note:
You can also visit the surgery from 8am to 6pm.
What a fit note can say
A healthcare professional will assess how your health affects your ability to work.
Not fit for work
This means your health condition prevents you from working for the period shown on the note.
May be fit for work
This means you may be able to work if your employer can provide the recommended support or adjustments. If they cannot, the note is treated as though it says you are not fit for work.
Returning to work and fit-note charges
You should return to work as soon as you feel able. If you recover before the end date on your fit note, you can speak to your employer about returning early. You do not usually need another healthcare appointment simply to confirm that you are fit to return.
There is no charge for a fit note when you have been off sick for more than 7 days. If your employer asks for medical evidence during the first 7 days, a healthcare professional may charge a fee and your employer should pay it.
Free local work and health support
Wellbeing Matters Social Prescribing WorkWell
Are you off work and need help with your health or getting back to work?
We can support you through Wellbeing Matters Social Prescribing and a WorkWell Community Connector.
What is Wellbeing Matters WorkWell support?
WorkWell is a programme that supports disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay or succeed in work. WorkWell can offer a range of support, including:
- A personal assessment to understand what support is right for you
- A simple plan with clear goals to support your physical health, mental wellbeing, and social needs
- Muscle and joint (MSK) assessments and treatment for problems affecting the body, such as the back, arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Support to access non-medical wellbeing activities, such as volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice, and sports
- Free and impartial careers advice, including help with jobs, skills, training, and progressing at work
- Support for employers to understand your needs and make reasonable changes at work (your employer will only be contacted with your permission)
Everyone who takes part in WorkWell will get one-to-one support. You will meet with a dedicated WorkWell Community Connector. They will help you review your progress and suggest next steps based on your personal plan.
How to access WorkWell
Referrals to our WorkWell Community Connector are made through social prescribing at Wellbeing Matters. Please speak to our reception team and ask for a referral.