Topic Guide

Sick Note & Fit Note Basics

The fundamentals of UK sick notes and fit notes — what they are, when you need one, what they look like, self-certification, and how private certificates compare.

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Start with who can issue a fit note and what your recipient needs. Employer sickness evidence, university mitigation and DWP benefit requirements are different. The first seven calendar days of ordinary sickness absence can normally be self-certified.

Professional reviewing notice dates and a medical document at home - DoctorCert UK sick note during notice period guide

Sick Note During Notice Period: UK Guide

Understand sickness absence, notice pay and fit note rules when you resign or are dismissed, with practical steps based on current UK guidance.

12 min read

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A caring hand supporting an elderly person next to a digital tablet displaying carer's leave evidence - DoctorCert UK

Carer’s Leave Certificate: Check the Scheme Before Paying

A detailed guide on carer's leave certificates, covering employee rights under the Carer's Leave Act 2023, employer evidence requests, and obtaining medical proof.

7 min read

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A caring hand supporting an elderly person next to a digital tablet displaying carer's leave evidence - DoctorCert UK

Carer’s Leave Rights: Is Medical Evidence Required?

Understand the Carer's Leave Act 2023. Learn when employers can and cannot ask for medical evidence for carer's leave and how to protect your rights.

10 min read

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Premium clinical and lifestyle photograph representing pregnancy-related sickness rights and maternity medical evidence in the UK.

Maternity Medical Certificates & Pregnancy Sickness in the UK

Pregnant and facing illness at work or need travel clearance? Learn the UK rules for pregnancy-related sickness and how to get medical evidence.

10 min read

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Premium clinical photo of a UK university student studying, representing mitigating circumstances medical evidence.

University Mitigating Circumstances: Medical Evidence Guide

Navigating university extenuating or mitigating circumstances in the UK? Learn what medical evidence is required, what universities accept, and how to apply.

7 min read

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Premium clinical photograph representing a canceled holiday and a gym refund request with a stethoscope and medical certificate.

Medical Evidence for Holiday, Travel Cancellation, and Gym Membership Refunds

Unexpected illness or injury disrupting your holiday, flight, or gym membership? Learn what medical evidence is required to claim refunds or cancel contracts in the UK.

11 min read

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Illustrated DoctorCert guide cover for self-certification sick notes, SC2, and the UK 7 day rule.

Self-Certification Sick Note: SC2 and UK 7 Day Rule

Learn how SC2 self-certification works in the UK, when the 7 day rule ends, and when you may need a fit note or medical certificate.

11 min read

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Illustrated DoctorCert guide cover explaining what a UK sick note or fit note looks like.

What Does a Sick Note Look Like in the UK?

What does a sick note look like in the UK? Learn the main sections of a fit note, what makes it valid, and how digital notes differ from older forms.

12 min read

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Comparison between private medical certificate and NHS fit note

Private Medical Certificate vs NHS Fit Note: What's the Difference?

Not all medical documents are the same. Discover the key differences between a private medical certificate and a standard NHS fit note.

4 min read

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Doctor holding a medical certificate or fit note on a wooden desk

What Is a Fit Note? A Complete UK Guide

Everything you need to know about fit notes in the UK, from how they replace traditional sick notes to what information they must contain.

5 min read

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University students studying together in a modern UK university library

Student Sick Notes: What Universities Accept

Medical evidence for extenuating circumstances at UK universities. What students need to know when they miss exams or deadlines.

5 min read

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Young professional woman working from home office, UK

Do I Need a Sick Note for Work?

Understand the UK legal requirements for sick notes, the 7-day self-certification rule, and when your employer can request medical evidence.

5 min read

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Woman receiving an online medical certificate on her laptop from DoctorCert UK

How to Get a Sick Note Online in the UK: A Complete Guide

Learn how an online sickness assessment works, when to self-certify, and how to check certificate requirements before paying for a private review.

9 min read

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