One of the most common concerns people have about online sick notes is whether their employer will accept them. The answer is yes — and here's the legal basis for it.

THE LEGAL POSITION

UK law requires fit notes to be issued by a registered healthcare professional. It does not specify that the doctor must be an NHS GP, that the consultation must be face-to-face, or that the note must be on a particular paper form.

An online fit note issued by a GMC-registered doctor on a CQC-registered platform has exactly the same legal standing as one issued by your NHS GP in person.

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

When an employer receives a fit note, they typically check:

● Is it issued by a qualified medical professional? (GMC registration number should be present)

● Does it cover the period of absence?

● Is there a clear reason for being unfit for work?

● Are there any modified duties recommendations?

A Dr Sick fit note meets all of these requirements. Every note includes the issuing doctor's GMC number, the period of absence, and the clinical assessment.

WHAT IF MY EMPLOYER REFUSES?

If your employer refuses to accept a valid fit note from a GMC-registered doctor, they may be acting unlawfully. You have several options:

● Politely point out that the note is issued by a GMC-registered doctor on a CQC-regulated platform

● Contact ACAS for free, impartial employment advice

● Raise a formal grievance if the refusal persists

In practice, the vast majority of UK employers — including large companies, public sector organisations, and SMEs — accept online fit notes without question. This has become the norm.

CAN YOUR EMPLOYER DEMAND A NOTE FROM YOUR OWN GP?

No. Your employer cannot specify which doctor must issue your sick note, provided the issuing doctor is appropriately registered.

Get your employer-accepted online sick note at drsick.co.uk.