Does Your Employer Have to Accept an Online Sick Note in the UK?
Can an Employer Refuse an Online Sick Note?
In most cases, no.
In the UK, employers must accept a valid sick note (fit note) regardless of whether it was issued:
● In person, or
● Online following a remote consultation What matters is validity, not format.
If the sick note:
● Was issued by a UK-registered medical professional
● Is medically justified
● Covers the correct dates
An employer cannot lawfully reject it simply because it was issued online.
What Does UK Law Actually Say?
UK guidance does not require sick notes to be:
● Paper-based
● Issued face-to-face
● Collected from a GP surgery Digital fit notes are now routine across:
● NHS GP practices
● Hospital outpatient services
● Remote healthcare providers
The move to digital notes was accelerated during COVID and has remained standard practice.
Common Myths Employers Still Believe (Incorrectly)
Let’s clear these up.
❌ “We only accept GP sick notes”
✔ Online doctors can be GPs or equally qualified clinicians
❌ “It has to be paper”
✔ Digital notes are valid and widely used
❌ “We can ask you to see our chosen doctor instead”
✔ Employers cannot force unnecessary medical appointments
❌ “Online notes aren’t real”
✔ Legitimacy depends on the clinician, not the consultation method
What Makes an Online Sick Note Legitimate?
A legitimate online sick note will include:
● Clinician’s name and credentials
● Issue date
● Duration of sickness
● Fitness-for-work statement
● Medical registration details
● Contact information (where appropriate) Reputable services will never:
● Guarantee approval
● Issue notes without assessment
● Sell downloadable templates
Services like Dr Sicks issue sick notes only after proper medical review by UK-registered clinicians.
Can Employers Verify an Online Sick Note?
Employers may:
● Check that the note appears genuine
● Verify clinician registration (e.g. GMC) They cannot:
● Ask for diagnosis details
● Contact the doctor without consent
● Demand access to medical records
Medical confidentiality applies equally to digital and paper notes.
What If an Employer Still Refuses?
If an employer refuses a valid sick note:
1. Ask them to explain why in writing
Refer them to UK fit note guidance
3. Provide reassurance that digital notes are legitimate
In many cases, refusal is due to lack of awareness, not bad faith. Persistent refusal may raise:
● Employment law concerns
● Pay disputes (e.g. SSP)
● Grievance issues
Does an Online Sick Note Affect Statutory Sick Pay?
No.
SSP entitlement depends on:
● Earnings
● Employment status
● Duration of illness
It does not depend on whether the sick note was issued online or in person.
As long as the note is valid, SSP should be processed normally.
Are There Any Situations Where Employers Can Object?
Rarely — but there are exceptions. Employers may question a note if:
● It appears altered or incomplete
● It lacks clinician details
● It covers dates outside medical justification They cannot object solely because:
● The consultation was remote
● The service was private
● The note was issued quickly
Why Online Sick Notes Are Now Standard Practice
Online sick notes:
● Reduce GP workload
● Improve access during illness peaks
● Help employees recover without stress
● Support modern remote work patterns
They are now part of normal UK healthcare delivery, not a loophole.
Key Takeaways
● Employers must accept valid online sick notes
● Format does not determine legality
● UK-registered clinicians are the key requirement
● Employers cannot demand diagnosis details
● Refusal is usually due to misunderstanding
Protecting Yourself at Work
If you’re unwell and need medical certification:
● Use your right to self-certify for 7 days
● Obtain a legitimate sick note if illness continues
● Keep records and communication clear
Knowing the rules protects both your health and your job.
