Many people use the terms "sick note" and "fit note" interchangeably — but they're actually the same document. Here's the full story.

THE NAME CHANGE YOU PROBABLY MISSED

In 2010, the government officially renamed sick notes as "fit notes" — or more formally, Statements of Fitness for Work (Form Med 3). The rebrand wasn't just cosmetic. It reflected a shift in how we think about sickness absence: rather than simply signing people off work, the new system was designed to support return to work.

Despite this, almost everyone still calls them sick notes. Your employer knows what you mean either way.

WHAT DOES A FIT NOTE ACTUALLY SAY?

A fit note can say one of two things:

"Not fit for work" — you cannot work at all in your current condition.

"May be fit for work" — you could work with adjustments, such as reduced hours, different tasks, or working from home.

If your employer can't make those adjustments, the "may be fit for work" note automatically becomes a "not fit for work" note.

WHO CAN ISSUE A FIT NOTE?

Since 2022, the list of professionals who can legally issue fit notes has expanded significantly. It now includes:

● GPs and hospital doctors

● Nurses

● Occupational therapists

● Pharmacists

● Physiotherapists

This means you no longer have to see a GP specifically. An online doctor at Dr Sick can issue your fit note just as validly as your NHS GP.

WHEN DO YOU NEED ONE?

You can self-certify the first 7 calendar days of illness. After that, your employer can request a fit note. The 7-day count includes weekends — so if you're ill from Friday to the following Friday, that's 8 days and you'll need a note.

HOW TO GET ONE FAST

Dr Sick issues fit notes same day from GMC-registered UK doctors. Complete a short online form, and your note arrives by email within 2 hours. No appointment needed.

Visit drsick.co.uk to get started.