Question 1

What is a fit note?

Accepted Answer

Although lots of people refer to them as sick notes, the official name for when a GP signs you off work is a fit note. They’re sometimes called a doctor’s note too. If you’ve been off sick for less than 7 days, your employer shouldn’t ask for one. Instead, you can self-certify by completing a form that your employer should be able to supply.

If you’ve been ill for 7 days or more consecutively, you do need a sick note. And every day counts towards that 7 days – including weekends or bank holidays. Employers can take a copy of the sick note, and the employee should keep the original. Livi GPs can provide sick notes for up to 14 days.

Question 2

What does a sick note say?

Accepted Answer

A sick note will say you’re either not fit for work or might be fit for work. If the doctor says you might be fit for work, they can give details of what level of work they would consider you’re able to do.

It might be that you’re fit enough to do some work, but are advised against doing certain tasks. For example, if you work in a factory and have a back injury, you might be able to carry out light tasks, but no heavy lifting.

The sick note can be used by a doctor to suggest ways for an employer to help their employee get back to work. These are known as ‘reasonable adjustments’ and could involve having:

- different day-to-day tasks
- additional support from other staff or managers
- changes to their workstation 
- changes to their work pattern/hours
- a phased return to work (less working hours to start with)

If it’s not possible for your employer to make the adjustments recommended by the doctor, the sick note will state that you’re 'not fit for work'.

Question 3

How to get a sick note in the UK

Accepted Answer

You need to book a GP appointment either at a local practice or via the Livi app, so the doctor can assess your health. The GP can then decide whether you are fit enough for work and how long you may need to recover before you return to work.

If you speak to Livi GP about getting an online sick note for up to 14 days, you can get it sent straight to your inbox without having to leave home.

Question 4

What is self-certification?

Accepted Answer

If you're sick and unable to work for 7 days or less, you won’t need to give your employer a sick note from a doctor.

Instead, you’ll be asked for some information when you return to work about being off sick. This is called self-certification. Some companies will arrange a face-to-face meeting as part of this process, and may ask the employee to complete a form with details of their sickness.

Question 5

How much does a sick note cost?

Accepted Answer

You won’t be charged for a sick note if you're off sick from work for more than 7 days. But if you need a private medical certificate for 7 days or less, there may be a charge from your GP practice. This might be requested by an employer if an individual is frequently off sick for short periods of time. A sick note can’t be used for this purpose.

Question 6

Do you need a sick note to self-isolate for COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

If you can’t work because you are self-isolating due to COVID-19, you can get an online ‘isolation note’ from NHS 111, rather than a sick note. You won’t need to collect this from a GP practice or hospital.

Question 7

Do sick notes have to be from a GP?

Accepted Answer

Usually an employer will ask for a GP sick note as proof of your sickness. But if your employer agrees, a similar document can be provided by another medical professional like a physiotherapist or a hospital doctor if you’re getting treated in hospital. The sick note must be signed by the relevant medical professional.

Question 8

Extending a sick note

Accepted Answer

If your sick note runs out and you’re not well enough to return to work, you’ll need to speak to a GP to arrange another consultation. They may be happy to discuss your health over the phone rather than seeing you in person but it depends on the nature of your illness. A Livi GP can then extend your sick note online if needed – up to a maximum of 2 weeks.

Online sick notes

How to use Livi to get online sick notes

Convenience when you need it

Say goodbye to waiting rooms

Need a GP today?

FAQs

FAQs

What is a fit note?

What does a sick note say?

How to get a sick note in the UK

What is self-certification?

How much does a sick note cost?

Do you need a sick note to self-isolate for COVID-19?

Do sick notes have to be from a GP?

Extending a sick note

.css-xsmqs{color:#002845;}Online sick notes

How to use Livi to get online sick notes

Convenience when you need it

Say goodbye to waiting rooms

Need a GP today?

FAQs

FAQs

What is a fit note?

What does a sick note say?

How to get a sick note in the UK

What is self-certification?

How much does a sick note cost?

Do you need a sick note to self-isolate for COVID-19?

Do sick notes have to be from a GP?

Extending a sick note

Online sick notes