Self-Cert Sick Note in the UK: How It Works & When You Need a Fit Note (2026 Guide)

Last updated: April 2026

The information in this guide is based on official guidance from GOV.UK, NHS, ACAS, and Citizens Advice and reflects UK sick leave rules as of March 2026.

Quick Summary

• Employees in the UK can self-certify sickness for up to 7 calendar days
• A doctor’s fit note is usually required after the seventh day
• Self-certification is commonly completed using the SC2 form
• Self-certification may be used to support Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) claims

In the UK, this process is sometimes referred to as employee sickness self-certification or a self-cert sick note.

If you’re ill and need time off work in the UK, you may not always need to visit a doctor. For shorter absences, employees can self-certify sickness using a self-cert sick note instead of providing a doctor’s note.

Understanding how self-certification works is important for both employees and employers, especially when dealing with workplace absence policies or claiming Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

This guide explains what a self-cert sick note is, how long it lasts, how to fill in the form, and when a GP fit note becomes necessary.

What Is a Self-Cert Sick Note in the UK?

A self-cert sick note (or self-certification) is when an employee confirms their own illness without needing a doctor’s note.

According to official GOV.UK guidance on taking sick leave, employees do not need to provide a fit note if they are off work for 7 days or less.

In the UK, employees can self-certify sickness for up to 7 consecutive calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays. During this time, employers normally cannot require a doctor’s fit note.

Instead of seeing a GP, the employee simply:

1. Tells their employer they are ill
2. Provides details of their absence
3. Completes a self-certification form (often called SC2)

Most employers ask employees to complete the form when they return to work.

The rule helps reduce unnecessary GP appointments and allows employees to take short periods of sick leave without needing medical evidence. It is grounded in Regulation 2 of the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1985, which sets the seven-day threshold before medical evidence can be required.

How Many Days Can You Self-Certify Sickness in the UK?

In the UK, employees can self-certify for up to 7 consecutive calendar days of sickness.

Important points:

• The 7 days include weekends and non-working days
• You do not need a doctor’s note during this period
• Your employer must normally accept self-certification

Example of the 7-Day Self-Certification Period:

If your illness lasts longer than seven days, you will need medical evidence.

You can read our full guide on how long a doctor can issue a sick note in the UK to understand how fit notes work for longer absences.

Do Weekends Count in the 7-Day Self-Certification Period?

Yes. The 7-day self-certification period includes weekends, bank holidays, and days you do not normally work.

For example, if you become ill on a Friday and remain unwell through the weekend, those days still count toward the seven-day limit. If your illness continues beyond the seventh calendar day, you will usually need to obtain a fit note from a healthcare professional.

This is a common source of confusion, particularly for part-time workers who may not work every day of the week. Even if you only work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the seven calendar days still run continuously from your first day of illness.

Can You Self-Certify for Mental Health in the UK?

Yes. In the UK, employees can self-certify sickness for mental health conditions, just as they would for physical illnesses. This may include issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout that make it difficult to work.

According to ACAS guidance on sick leave, both physical and mental health problems can count as sickness and employers must treat mental and physical health as equally important.

The same rules apply: you can self-certify sickness for up to 7 consecutive calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays. During this time, you usually only need to inform your employer and complete a self-certification form when you return to work.

If your condition lasts longer than seven days, your employer may request a fit note from a GP or another healthcare professional.

You can also read our detailed guide on stress leave in the UK to understand how mental health sick leave works.

Practical note: Employees sometimes feel reluctant to disclose mental health difficulties on a self-certification form. You are not legally required to give a detailed diagnosis — a general description such as “stress” or “anxiety” is sufficient for most self-certification purposes.

When Do You Need a Doctor’s Fit Note Instead of Self-Certification?

If you’re off work for more than 7 consecutive days, your employer can ask for a fit note (sometimes called a doctor’s sick note).

Read our detailed guide on how to get a fit note online in the UK.

Who Can Issue a Fit Note?

Since 2022, fit notes can be issued by a broader range of healthcare professionals, not just GPs. According to GOV.UK guidance, a fit note can now be issued by:

• A GP
• A hospital doctor
• A nurse
• A pharmacist
• A physiotherapist
• An occupational therapist

Fit notes can be printed or digital. An online fit note from a licensed UK service has the same validity as one issued in person.

Additionally, if your employer agrees, you may be able to obtain an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report from a physiotherapist, podiatrist, or occupational therapist as an alternative to a standard fit note.

The note confirms whether you are:

• Not fit for work, or
• May be fit for work with adjustments such as reduced hours or modified duties.

Where a fit note states “may be fit for work,” your employer is encouraged to discuss possible workplace adjustments with you before treating you as fully unfit. This reflects the broader government focus on supporting people to stay in work where possible, rather than defaulting to complete sign-off.

What Is the SC2 Self-Certification Form?

The SC2 form is the official Employee Statement of Sickness used to self-certify illness.

It allows employees to confirm sickness absence without providing a medical certificate and can also be used when claiming Statutory Sick Pay.

The form typically asks for:

• Your name and National Insurance number
• Your job title
• The first and last day of illness
• The date you returned to work
• A brief description of your illness or injury
• Your signature confirming the information is accurate
• Your clock or payroll number

Where Can You Download the Self-Certification SC2 Form?

You can download the SC2 Employee Statement of Sickness form from the GOV.UK website.

The form allows you to confirm the dates of your illness and provide the information needed for Statutory Sick Pay claims. In many workplaces, employers provide their own internal self-certification form instead, so check your company’s absence policy first.

If your employer does not provide a form, the official SC2 form can usually be completed online or downloaded and submitted to your employer.

How to Self-Certify Sickness in the UK (Step-by-Step)

Here is the typical process employees follow when taking short-term sick leave.

1. Inform Your Employer

Tell your employer you are sick as soon as possible, usually on the first day of absence.

Your employer’s sickness policy may specify:

• Who to notify
• How to notify them (phone, email, HR system)
• When to report absence

2. Stay Off Work While Ill

If the illness lasts 7 days or fewer, you can self-certify.

3. Complete a Self-Certification Form

When you return to work, you may be asked to complete:

• A company self-cert form, or
• The SC2 form

Important: Gather all the necessary information before you begin. The form must be completed in one session online, and you won’t be able to save your progress. It’s best to keep a copy for your own information.

4. Provide a Fit Note if Illness Continues

If you remain ill after day 7, you must provide medical evidence from a healthcare professional.

Can You Self-Certify Sick Leave Online in the UK?

In many cases, yes. Some employers allow employees to submit self-certification forms through HR systems or online absence portals.

If your workplace does not provide an online system, you may still be able to complete the official SC2 form available on the GOV.UK website. Always check your employer’s sickness reporting policy to confirm how self-certification should be submitted.

Self-Certification and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK

Self-certification is also important when claiming Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which is the minimum amount employers must pay eligible employees during sickness absence.

However, employees must still meet eligibility requirements.

It is important to note that From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 updated who qualifies for SSP.

You may be eligible if you:

• have started work with your employer (have done some work for your employer)
• inform your employer about your illness within their set deadline (or within 7 days)
• are classed as employed for tax purposes

This includes workers paid through PAYE, such as employees and agency staff. However, those who pay tax through self-assessment (self-employed individuals) are not eligible for SSP.

Other key changes regarding SSP include:

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is now available to all eligible employees, with the previous minimum earnings threshold removed. 
• Payments begin from the first day of sickness absence, with the three-day waiting period no longer applying. 
• The amount you receive is calculated as 80% of your average weekly earnings or the standard weekly rate—whichever is lower.

Read our detailed guide on SSP changes 2026 UK.

Can an Employer Refuse Self-Certification?

Employers cannot normally require a doctor’s fit note during the first 7 days of sickness, but employees must still follow their workplace absence reporting procedures.

Employers can:

• Require employees to follow company sickness reporting procedures
• Ask employees to complete a self-certification form
• Investigate repeated or suspicious absences

Failure to follow the employer’s policy could result in absence being treated as unauthorised leave.

Can Employers Ask for Evidence During Self-Certification?

Employers cannot normally require a doctor’s fit note during the first seven days of sickness.

However, they may ask employees to follow company absence procedures, such as reporting illness promptly or completing a self-certification form. Employers may also review repeated sickness absences to ensure workplace policies are being followed.

Do You Need to Pay for a Sick Note?

For short illness periods (7 days or fewer):

• GPs do not normally issue fit notes for illnesses lasting 7 days or less because employees can use self-certification instead
• If you request one anyway, a private fee may apply (This applies when requesting non-NHS documentation earlier than required.)

This is because self-certification should be used instead.

If your illness lasts more than seven days, a GP fit note is usually provided free of charge through the NHS.

What If You Are Sick Frequently?

Employers may review frequent sickness absences even if each one is self-certified.

Common actions include:

• Absence review meetings
• Occupational health assessments
• Workplace adjustments

Employers often do this to support staff health while also keeping workplace attendance consistent.

The Bradford Factor

Some employers use the Bradford Factor, a formula that weights the number of separate absence spells more heavily than total days lost. The purpose is to identify employees with patterns of frequent short-term absences, for example, someone who takes five single-day absences in a year may score higher (and trigger a review sooner) than someone who takes one five-day absence.

While the Bradford Factor is a widely used tool, it should be applied fairly and in conjunction with supportive conversations, not used as a blunt disciplinary instrument.

Self-Certification vs Fit Note in the UK (Quick Comparison)

Tips for Employees Using Self-Certification

To avoid issues with sick leave:

✔ Inform your employer as early as possible
✔ Follow your company’s sickness reporting policy
✔ Keep records of your absence
✔ Submit self-certification forms promptly
✔ Get a fit note if illness lasts longer than 7 days

Key Takeaways: Self-Cert Sick Notes in the UK

Self-certification makes it easier for UK employees to take short periods of sick leave without needing medical proof. For illnesses lasting seven days or less, simply notifying your employer and completing a self-certification form is usually enough.

However, if sickness continues beyond this period, a fit note from a healthcare professional becomes necessary to confirm your ability to work and support sick pay claims.

Understanding these rules helps ensure both employees and employers follow UK employment law and Statutory Sick Pay requirements.