Disclaimer

The content on this site is general information about sick notes, sick pay and sick leave in the UK. It is not medical or legal advice and does not replace an individual consultation with a doctor or advice on your own situation.

Last updated: 27 October 2026

Not for emergencies

If you have severe symptoms, chest pain, breathlessness at rest, or you believe you have a medical emergency, contact 999 or your local emergency services immediately. Do not wait for a response from this site.

Certificates depend on clinical assessment

A certificate is issued only where a GMC-registered doctor considers it clinically appropriate after reviewing the information you provide. Submitting a request and paying a fee does not entitle you to a certificate. Where a certificate cannot be issued on clinical grounds, our refund position is set out in our terms of use.

Acceptance by your employer is its decision

A private sick note is a medical certificate from a registered doctor. It is not an NHS fit note (Med3). Employers decide what evidence of sickness they accept, so we cannot promise that yours will accept a private certificate. Check your employer’s sickness policy before applying. A private certificate cannot be used for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance claims.

Regulatory information may change

Guidance on this site about statutory sick pay, fit notes and employment rights is checked against GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk, ACAS and the NHS, and was accurate on the date shown on each page. Rules and rates change, often each April, and your contract or your employer’s policy may give you more than the legal minimum. For a dispute with your employer, ACAS offers free advice.

External links

Where we link to other websites, we do not control their content and are not responsible for it.