UK Career FAQ · 2026 Guide
UK Fit Note Rules 2026 — When You Need One and How to Get It
What it means
A fit note is a UK medical certificate confirming you're unfit for work. It includes the diagnosis (or general nature), expected absence duration, and any work-related advice (e.g., 'may be fit with adjustments'). Fit notes are valid for the period stated on them — typically days, weeks, or up to 3 months for chronic conditions.
How it works
Request via NHS app (fastest), GP surgery online, phone consultation, or in-person appointment. The healthcare professional assesses your condition and issues the fit note electronically or in paper form. You provide it to your employer (and HR if separate). The fit note triggers sick pay continuation and protects your absence from disciplinary action.
What to do
If absence is approaching 7 days, contact your GP or use the NHS app to request a fit note BEFORE the deadline. Don't wait until day 8 to start the process — appointments can take days to schedule. Keep copies of all fit notes — they're evidence of legitimate sickness for SSP, company sick pay, and any future capability discussions.
Common mistakes
Common UK fit note mistakes: (1) Waiting until after day 7 to request — causes pay and HR issues. (2) Not understanding 7 days is calendar (including weekends). (3) Failing to provide the fit note to employer promptly. (4) Discarding fit notes (keep them for your records). (5) Not requesting follow-up fit notes for ongoing absence.
Worked example
Tom falls ill on Saturday with severe flu. He notifies his employer Monday morning (day 3 of calendar absence). He self-certifies for the first 7 days. By the following Friday (day 7), he's still ill. He uses the NHS app on Friday afternoon to request a fit note. A GP issues a fit note that evening covering the next 14 days. He emails it to HR Monday morning, ensuring continuous SSP coverage with no gap.
Recruiter pro tip
Pharmacy fit notes (since 2022) are often the fastest route — same-day or next-day appointments at most large pharmacies. For straightforward conditions, you don't need a GP. This is particularly useful for short-term physical illnesses where waiting for a GP appointment would delay the fit note.
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