A question many people ask — often with some anxiety — is whether their employer can check whether a sick note is genuine. Here's exactly how it works.
CAN EMPLOYERS VERIFY SICK NOTES?
Employers can verify certain elements of a fit note, but there is no central registry of issued sick notes that they can check against. Here's what they can do:
Check the issuing doctor's GMC registration — Every fit note should include the issuing doctor's GMC number. Employers can verify that this number corresponds to a registered doctor at gmcuk.org.
Check the QR code — Some providers, including Dr Sick, include a QR code on fit notes that links to a verification page confirming the note's authenticity.
Contact the issuing practice — An employer could theoretically contact the issuing medical practice to confirm that a note was issued, though in practice this is extremely rare.
WHAT EMPLOYERS CANNOT DO
Employers cannot:
● Access your medical records without your consent
● Contact your doctor for information about your diagnosis or treatment without your written consent
● Demand that you provide a note from your own NHS GP
● Force you to attend an examination by a company-selected doctor (though they can request an Occupational Health assessment)
ARE DR SICK NOTES VERIFIABLE?
Yes. Every sick note issued by Dr Sick includes the issuing doctor's GMC registration number and a unique verification reference. Our notes are issued by GMC-registered doctors and are fully auditable.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN EMPLOYER SUSPECTS FRAUD?
If an employer has genuine evidence that a sick note is fraudulent — i.e., not actually issued by the named doctor — this can be grounds for disciplinary action. Using a fraudulent sick note is also potentially a criminal matter.
Get a genuine, verifiable sick note at drsick.co.uk.
