What is a fit note and when do you need one?

What is a fit note?

When being unwell affects your ability to work, your employer may need a fit note as confirmation. Issued by a doctor or other healthcare professional, it outlines the nature of your absence and tells your workplace that you are unfit or fit - but may need reasonable adjustments - for work.

You will be issued either a physical copy or a digital copy depending on how you are assessed.

Is there a difference between a fit note and a sick note?

Sick note is the older term for a fit note. Since 2010, the official term for this document has been fit note, although sick note is still commonly used.

Your employer may ask for a fit note if you have been absent from work for more than seven days - including bank holidays and weekends. You can be off sick for up to seven days without a fit note by self-certifying.

If your employer can’t make reasonable adjustments to support you because of your health condition or injury, you’ll be considered unfit for work and may need a fit note from your doctor.

If you are self-employed, a fit note can help you claim benefits or statutory sick pay (SSP) whilst you are unable to work.

You can get a fit note by contacting your GP surgery either online, over the phone , or in-person. A healthcare professional may issue the fit note after assessing you.

If you are in hospital, a fit note can be issued to you before you are discharged.

Who can give fit notes?

Fit notes can be issued by any of the following healthcare professionals involved in your care:

• Doctors.

• Nurses.

• Pharmacists.

• Physiotherapists.

• Occupational therapists.

AHP health and work report

The Allied Health Professions (AHP) Health and Work Report can be issued by allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropodists, and art therapists.

It is a report that provides information and advice to an employee, employer, and doctor about your ability to work, and helps them understand what you can do and if any reasonable adjustments need to be made.

The report is not a legal replacement of a fit note and therefore cannot be used for sick pay or benefits purposes.

Do you need to pay for a fit note?

In the UK, a fit note is free if you receive medical care through the NHS, but notes from private healthcare providers may cost money.

Can a GP refuse a fit note?

If your doctor or other healthcare professional considers you fit for work then they may not issue or renew a fit note. Any fit notes issued are done so at their discretion and are based upon their professional judgement.

For the first six months

A fit note can be issued for a maximum of three months at a time during the first six months of illness or treatment. They can be extended during a renew period and following a reassessment.

You can ask for a fit note to be backdated if you've already been off sick and need it to cover that time.

Longer than six months

After the first six months, a fit note can be issued for any length of time, including indefinitely. You will still be reviewed regularly by your doctor during this time to assess whether you are well enough to return to work.

If you get better before the end of your sick note, you can return to work early without needing a note from your doctor confirming that you are fit for work.

You should let your employer know about your intention to return to work before your fit note expires, this will allow for them to prepare any adjustments that may need to be made.

Your employer might also suggest a phased return, this is when you gradually increase your hours and responsibilities.