This is meant for those in employed work. If you’re unwell and cannot work, you may need a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) for your employer.
If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less
Self-certification: If employees are off work for 7 days or less, they do not need to give their employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a healthcare professional.
When they return to work, their employer can ask them to confirm they’ve been off sick. This is called ‘self-certification’. The employer and employee will agree on how the employee should do this. They might need to fill in a form or send details of their sick leave by email.
If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days
To request a sick note:
- fill out a sick note request form
Find out more about sick notes on the NHS website.
Exceptional circumstances
This applies to students studying at the University of Sussex only!
You must be registered with us as a patient, as well as being a student at the Sussex University (this doesn’t cover Brighton University students), for us to process an exceptional circumstances form. Please register with us first if you need to.
Exceptional circumstances submissions – please read before requesting medical certification.