What Is a Sick Note?
A sick note (fit note) is a medical certificate confirming:
● You are not fit for work, or
● You may be fit with adjustments
It is required only after 7 calendar days of sickness.
Who Can Issue a Sick Note?
Sick notes can be issued by:
● GPs
● Hospital doctors
● Qualified UK clinicians
● Legitimate online services
Format does not matter — validity does.
Your Rights at a Glance
You have the right to:
● Self-certify for 7 days
● Medical confidentiality
● Fair treatment
● Reasonable adjustments
Employers must:
● Accept valid sick notes
● Avoid discrimination
● Follow SSP rules
Online Sick Notes in 2026
Online sick notes are now:
● Routine
● Legal
● Widely accepted
When issued properly, they are no different from GP notes.
Services like Dr Sicks exist to improve access — not bypass standards.
Final Takeaways
● Know the 7-day rule
●Use legitimate services
● Protect your health and job
● Avoid fake documentation
