Sick Note for Work PDF - Download Instantly
Get your professionally formatted work sick note as a PDF in seconds. Valid for UK employment law, no doctor needed for absences up to 7 days.
What Must a Work Sick Note Include?
A valid sick note for work must contain specific information to be accepted by your employer and qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP). Here's what UK law requires:
Why Self-Certification is Valid
Many people worry that a self-certification note won't be taken seriously by their employer. Here's why it's completely valid:
Protected by UK Law
The Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 explicitly allows self-certification for the first 7 days of sickness. This is statutory law, not optional.
Required for SSP Claims
Employers cannot process statutory sick pay without proof of sickness. Self-certification is the legally accepted proof for short absences.
Employer Cannot Refuse
Your employer is legally required to accept your self-certification. They cannot demand a doctor's note for absences under 8 days unless there's a contractual agreement stating otherwise.
Legal Rules for Sick Notes in the UK
Days 1-7: Self-Certification
- ✓Complete your own sickness declaration
- ✓No doctor's appointment needed
- ✓Qualifies for SSP (if eligible)
- ✓Must be submitted promptly
Day 8+: Medical Certificate
- !Requires fit note from registered practitioner
- !GP, nurse, or hospital doctor can issue
- !Self-certification no longer valid
- !May affect SSP if not provided