Sort through the complexity of sick notes with our guide and remember:

• weekends count as normal days
• sick notes may be requested for 3 reasons
• sick notes for social security (SS) and statutory sick pay (SSP) are free
• sick notes for other reasons will be charged at £8.00

1. Sick notes for SS & SSP.

For day 1 to day 3 inclusive, no sick note is required. Inform your employer as soon as possible that you are unwell.

For day 4 to day 7 inclusive, Self Certification Form 2 (SC2) must be requested from your employer to be completed by yourself. You do not need to inform the doctor.

For day 8 onwards a doctor's sick note is required. If during your illness you think you are likely to be unfit to work for more than 1 week, arrange to see the doctor near the 8th day so that a sick note can be considered.

If you are unemployed and signing on, you will require a sick note as above for social security.

2. Extra benefits provided by employers in excess of SSP.

Some employers provide extra benefits to their employees. For example, they may add extra pay to SSP to bring your sick pay up to your usual pay. In these circumstances, they may request a sick note before the 8th day. This is a service outside the NHS and a fee would be charged for the examination and sick note.

3. Sick Notes for reasons other than employment.

Sick notes are sometimes requested for school, sporting organisations or travel cancellations. These requests are also outside the NHS and a fee would be charged for the examination and sick note.