What Is Self-Certification in the UK?

Self-certification is the process that allows UK employees to take time off sick without needing a doctor’s note.

Under UK law:

● Employees can self-certify sickness for up to 7 calendar days

● This includes weekends and non-working days

● Employers should not request medical evidence during this period

The system exists to:

● Reduce pressure on GP services

● Allow people to recover without unnecessary appointments

● Keep the workplace compliant with employment law

The 7-Day Rule Explained (Very Important)

The most common misunderstanding is how the 7 days are counted. It is:

● 7 calendar days, not working days

● Day 1 is the first day you are unwell

Example:

● Ill on Monday → Day 1

● Sunday → Day 7

● If still unwell on Monday → a sick note is required

This applies even if you:

● Don’t normally work weekends

● Work part-time or shifts

Do Employers Have to Accept Self-Certification?

Yes — in normal circumstances, employers must accept self-certification for the first 7 days. They may ask you to:

● Complete a self-certification form

● Confirm sickness dates

● Notify them according to company policy

They cannot:

● Demand a GP appointment during the first 7 days

● Refuse sick leave solely due to lack of a doctor’s note

● Penalise you for using your right to self-certify

What Happens After Day 7?

If your illness lasts longer than 7 calendar days, your employer can legally request a medical certificate (fit note).

At this point:

● You need a sick note from a medical professional

● The note can be issued in person or online

● It should cover dates from day 8 onward

Without a sick note after day 7: 

● Employers may withhold Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

●  Absence may be treated as unauthorised

Can You Self-Certify More Than Once?

Yes — there is no legal limit on how often you can self-certify. However:

● Frequent short absences may trigger absence reviews

● Employers may monitor patterns (e.g. repeated Mondays or Fridays)

This does not remove your right to self-certify, but employers may:

● Request meetings

● Discuss health support

● Refer to occupational health (in some roles)

Does Self-Certification Apply to Mental Health?

Yes. Self-certification applies equally to:

● Stress

● Anxiety

● Depression

● Burnout

Mental health conditions are legally treated the same as physical illness. You are not required to disclose diagnosis details during self-certification.

What About Zero-Hour or Part-Time Workers?

Self-certification still applies, but sick pay eligibility may differ.

● You can self-certify illness

● SSP eligibility depends on earnings and contract status

● Employers may still request a sick note after day 7

 The right to self-certify is not limited to full-time workers.

Can You Self-Certify While Working From Home?

Yes. If you are:

● Too unwell to work effectively

● Experiencing symptoms that impact performance

You can still take sick leave and self-certify, even if your job is remote.

Employers should not pressure you to work through illness simply because you are at home.

What If an Employer Asks for a Sick Note Early?

This is common — and often incorrect. In most cases:

● Employers should not ask for a sick note before day 8

● Internal policies cannot override statutory guidance

Exceptions are rare and role-specific (e.g. certain safety-critical positions). Repeated early requests may raise compliance concerns.

Getting a Sick Note After Self-Certification Ends

Once self-certification ends, you have options:

● GP appointment (often delayed)

● NHS digital services (where available)

● Legitimate online medical assessment

Services like Dr Sicks allow eligible patients to be assessed remotely by UK-registered clinicians, avoiding unnecessary delays when a note is required promptly.

Key Takeaways

● You can self-certify sickness for 7 calendar days

● This includes weekends and non-working days

● No doctor’s note is needed during this period

● A sick note is required from day 8 onward

● Mental and physical health are treated equally

Why This Matters

Understanding self-certification:

● Protects your legal rights

● Prevents unnecessary GP appointments

● Helps employers stay compliant

● Reduces stress during illness

Being informed avoids conflict — and ensures you get the support you’re entitled to.