UK Self-Certification Form: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about self-certifying your sickness absence for work. Valid for up to 7 days under UK employment law.
What is a Self-Certification Form?
A self-certification form is an official document you complete yourself to inform your employer about a period of sickness absence. Under UK employment law, no doctor's note is required for the first 7 calendar days of illness.
This means you can self-certify your absence without visiting a GP, making the process faster and easier when you're unwell. Employers are legally required to accept self-certification for absences up to 7 days.
Self-certification is a legal right, not a favor from your employer
The 7-Day Rule Explained
Days 1-7: Self-Certify
For absences up to 7 calendar days, you can complete your own self-certification form. No doctor required.
- ✓ Fill out a simple form
- ✓ Submit to your employer
- ✓ Legally valid for SSP
Day 8+: GP Note Required
If your absence exceeds 7 days, you must provide a fit note (Statement of Fitness for Work) from a doctor.
- • Book GP appointment
- • Get medical assessment
- • Obtain official fit note
When Employers Must Accept Self-Certification
UK employers are legally required to accept self-certification for sickness absences lasting 7 calendar days or less. This is covered under statutory sick pay (SSP) regulations.
Employers Cannot:
- ✗ Demand a doctor's note for absences under 8 days
- ✗ Refuse self-certification forms
- ✗ Withhold SSP if you self-certify correctly
- ✗ Penalize you for using self-certification
However, some employers may have additional internal policies requiring notification within a certain timeframe or specific procedures. Always check your employment contract or staff handbook for company- specific requirements.
When You Need a GP Fit Note Instead
You must provide a Statement of Fitness for Work (fit note) from a registered medical practitioner if:
- Your sickness absence lasts 8 days or more (including non-working days)
- Your employer's policy requires medical evidence earlier than 8 days
- You're claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
Important: Fit notes can only be issued by registered doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists. Self-certification does not apply after day 7.
Self-Certification Form Example
Here's what a professional self-certification form looks like. Our generator creates a formatted, legally compliant document in seconds.
SICKNESS CERTIFICATE
Statement of Fitness for Work
Certificate No: SC-99476407
CONFIDENTIAL
Patient Details
Full Name:John Smith
Employer:ABC Company Ltd
⚕ Clinical Assessment
After assessment, I advise that:
☐ You are NOT FIT for work
Patient is unfit to carry out normal work duties
Period of Incapacity
Diagnosis / Condition
Certification
I certify that on the date stated below I assessed this patient and, taking account of the information provided by them, I conclude that they are not fit for work for the period indicated above.
Certified By (Self-Declaration)
John Smith
Date
24/11/2025
This is a self-certification document valid for sickness absences up to 7 calendar days under UK Employment Law. Employers are required to accept self-certification for statutory sick pay purposes. For absences exceeding 7 days, a medical Statement of Fitness for Work from a registered practitioner is required.
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