A sick note, officially called a fit note, is used to confirm that you are not fit for work or may need temporary adjustments due to illness.

In the UK, both NHS and private doctors can issue fit notes following a proper medical assessment.

If you are unsure when you need one, how long before you need a sick note, or whether a private GP can provide one, this guide explains what you need to know.

Key takeaways

You usually only need a sick note after 7 calendar days off work.
A private GP can issue a fit note following clinical assessment where appropriate.
Fit notes can state that you are not fit for work or may be fit with adjustments.

What is a sick note?

In the UK, the official document is called a fit note.

The term “sick note” is widely used, but medically and legally it is referred to as a Statement of Fitness for Work.

Understanding the fit note vs sick note difference is simple. They refer to the same document. “Fit note” is the formal term introduced to replace the older sick note system.

A fit note can state:

You are not fit for work
You may be fit for work with adjustments

Adjustments might include reduced hours, lighter duties, phased return, or temporary changes to workload.

When do you need a sick note UK?

Many people ask, when do you need a sick note UK employers require?

Under standard UK guidance:

You can self-certify for the first 7 calendar days of illness.
After 7 calendar days, your employer can request a fit note.

Calendar days include weekends and non-working days.

If you remain unwell on day 8, your employer may ask for medical confirmation.

Individual employer sick note rules UK policies may vary slightly, but most follow this framework.

How long before you need a sick note?

The general answer is 7 calendar days.

For example:

If you become unwell on a Monday, you can self-certify until the following Sunday.
If you are still unwell the following week, medical certification may be required.

Some employers may have internal policies requesting documentation earlier, but statutory guidance follows the 7-day rule.

If in doubt, check your employment contract or HR guidance.

Can a private GP issue a sick note?

Yes.

Many patients ask, can a private GP issue a sick note?

A private GP can issue a valid fit note following medical assessment. The document is legally recognised for employment purposes in the UK.

However, a fit note is only issued where clinically appropriate.

The clinician must assess:

Your symptoms
The duration of illness
The impact on your ability to work
Whether adjustments may help

Fit notes are not automatically granted. They are based on professional judgement.

At Ready Health, fit notes may be issued following either a virtual or in-clinic consultation if the clinician determines that medical certification is justified.

What happens during a consultation for a fit note?

GP fit note guidance involves assessing how your condition affects your work capacity.

This may take place:

During an in-person GP consultation
Via a private GP video consultation
By telephone where clinically suitable

The clinician will discuss your symptoms, medical history and work responsibilities.

If you are considered not fit for work, or only fit with adjustments, this will be reflected in the note.

The purpose is to support safe recovery and appropriate return to work.

Can a sick note be backdated?

A fit note may cover a previous period if the clinician is satisfied, based on assessment and available information, that you were unfit during that time.

This is not automatic and depends on clinical judgement.

A doctor must be confident that the period of incapacity is medically reasonable.

Online GP appointment vs clinic for a sick note

If you need medical certification, you may wonder whether to choose remote or in-person care.

A virtual GP consultation UK-wide access can be appropriate if:

Your symptoms are clear and do not require physical examination
You are experiencing stress, anxiety or mild illness
You need review of an ongoing condition

An in-person appointment may be preferable if:

You require examination
Your symptoms need closer assessment
There is diagnostic uncertainty

At Ready Health, both virtual and in-clinic appointments are available, often with same-day booking. A clinician will advise if remote consultation is suitable for your situation.

Employer sick note rules UK: what you should know

Employers can:

Request a fit note after 7 calendar days
Use it to confirm eligibility for statutory sick pay
Review any suggested workplace adjustments

Employers do not usually require detailed medical information.

The fit note confirms work capability rather than providing a full diagnosis.

If adjustments are recommended, employers are expected to consider them reasonably.

Understanding employer sick note rules UK guidance can help reduce confusion and workplace tension.

How long can a fit note last?

The duration depends on the condition and clinical assessment.

Short-term illness may result in a note covering one to two weeks.

Longer-term conditions may require extended certification with review periods.

A clinician will advise on appropriate timescales based on your individual circumstances.

Is a private sick note legally valid?

Yes.

A fit note issued by a qualified private GP is legally valid in the UK.

The key requirement is that the doctor is registered and practising within appropriate professional standards.

Ready Health is a CQC-registered provider. This means consultations, whether virtual or in clinic, are delivered within regulated quality and safety standards.

Choosing the right route

If you are unsure whether you need a sick note, consider:

Have you been off work for more than 7 days?
Are your symptoms affecting your ability to perform your role safely?
Would temporary adjustments support a safe return?

If the answer is yes, a consultation may be appropriate.

A fit note supports safe recovery rather than simply confirming absence.

Final points

Understanding when you need a sick note UK guidance requires is straightforward.

You can self-certify for 7 calendar days. After that, your employer may request a fit note.

A private GP can issue a sick note following clinical assessment where medically appropriate.

The fit note vs sick note difference is purely terminology.

If you need medical advice, confirmation of fitness for work, or guidance on returning safely, booking an appointment allows a clinician to assess your situation properly and provide documentation where justified.

FAQS

Do I need a sick note for 3 days off work?

No. In the UK, you can self-certify for the first 7 calendar days of illness. You only need a fit note if you are off work for more than 7 days.

Can a private GP give me a sick note on the same day?

Yes, if it is clinically appropriate. After assessment, a private GP can issue a fit note during the same appointment, whether virtual or in clinic.

Is a private GP sick note accepted by employers?

Yes. A fit note issued by a registered private GP is legally valid in the UK and can be accepted by employers in the same way as an NHS-issued note.

Can I get a sick note without being seen?

No. A fit note must follow a consultation. This can be in person, by video, or by telephone if suitable, but a clinician must assess your condition before issuing one.

Can a GP refuse to give a sick note?

Yes. A GP will only issue a fit note if they believe you are medically unfit for work or need adjustments. It is based on clinical judgement, not request alone.

Can a sick note be extended?

Yes. If you are still unwell when your current fit note ends, you may need a follow-up consultation to assess whether further time off is appropriate.

What does “may be fit for work” mean?

It means you could return to work if certain adjustments are made, such as reduced hours or lighter duties. Your employer should consider these recommendations reasonably.

Understanding Private GP Sick Notes: When You Need One & How to Get It