If you have been ill for 7 days or less you don’t need to see a Doctor. You can complete a Self-Certification form yourself. However some employers insist on a Doctor’s note regardless. A Doctors note under these circumstances involves a charge of £25.

Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form you can download the Employee's statement of sickness (SC2) Employee’s statement of sickness to claim Statutory Sick Pay - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). You do not need to see a Doctor. For anything longer, please complete an e-consult to request a sick note, or make an appointment to speak to a doctor. Sick notes can be back-dated if you haven't been able to obtain an appointment on time.

If you have been ill for more than 7 days you will need a doctor’s certificate. These certificates are called ‘Fitness to Work’ Certificates.

The doctor may call you or arrange for an appointment.

If you have already been seen by your Doctor about this illness your certificate will be sent to you within a week.