It’s also sometimes called a ‘sick note’.
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. A fit note is a written statement from a healthcare professional. It says if you’re fit to work or not.
If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less
You do not need to give your employer a fit note.
When you return to work, you may need to fill in a self-certificate form. Some employers have their own self-certification form. If yours does not, use HMRC: Employees Statement of Sickness on GOV.UK.
Charges when off for 7 days or less
You may have to pay if you get a fit note when you’re off sick for seven days or less. To find out more, please ask at reception or go to the NHS website guidance on fit notes.
If you’re off for more than 7 days
If you’re off work sick for more than seven days, your employer will usually ask you to get a fit note. You do not have to pay for this.
The note can say that:
- you are ‘not fit for work’
- you ‘may be fit for work’
The seven days include days that you don’t normally work. So when you work out how long you’ve been off sick, include weekends and bank holidays.
Exceptional circumstances
Also known as mitigating evidence, 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.
Request a fit note
If you’re getting hospital treatment, ask for one from the doctor at your hospital. Request a fit note
We may ask you to make an appointment, either in person or on the phone.