One of the most common questions we get at Dr Sick is: how long can I be off sick before I need a note?

THE 7-DAY RULE

In the UK, you can self-certify sickness for up to 7 consecutive calendar days. This means your employer cannot legally require medical evidence for the first week of illness.

Important: it's 7 calendar days, not 7 working days. Weekends count. If you're ill from Monday to the following Sunday, that's 7 days — no note needed. If you're still ill on Monday (day 8), your employer can ask for a fit note.

SELF-CERTIFICATION: WHAT IS IT?

Self-certification simply means you tell your employer you were ill without providing a doctor's letter. Your employer may ask you to complete a form when you return to work — either their own company form or the government's SC2 form, available on GOV.UK.

CAN YOUR EMPLOYER ASK FOR A NOTE SOONER?

Yes — some employers have policies requiring a sick note for absences of 3 days or fewer. This is legal, though it's uncommon in most standard employment contracts. Check your contract and your company's HR policy.

If you're in a probationary period, or have had frequent short-term absences, your employer may be more likely to request documentation earlier.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 7 DAYS?

After 7 consecutive calendar days, your employer can request a fit note from a healthcare professional. This is where Dr Sick comes in — we issue fit notes same day, from GMC-registered UK doctors, without the need for an in-person GP appointment.

SSP AND SICK NOTES

From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is payable from day one of illness — the previous three waiting days have been abolished. This makes it even more important to have proper documentation in place, as more employees will be entitled to claim SSP for short-term absences.

Need a fit note fast? Visit drsick.co.uk.