It’s 9am on a Friday morning. You’ve been feeling unwell since last night and could not get a sound sleep. You call your boss and let him know that you won’t be able to come to office considering your not so good condition.

You know that you need to get some rest, but first there’s one important thing that you need to do. Have yourself driven to the doctor’s office, wait for some time (if you’re really lucky) and see a GP (General Practitioner).

Finally, you get to see a doctor, explain to him your health condition and get a sick note. The doctor now advises you to go back home and seek some moments of peace so that you can get much needed rest.

So what is a sick note?

A sick note, also known as a doctor’s note or a medical certficate at times, is a recommendation from your doctor in connection with your medical condition and how it can affect your ability to attend work.

P.S - These sick notes can be for short illnesses, minor surgeries, or chronic health conditions that affect one’s ability to work. They also explain how long you’re likely to be absent. If you’re unwell and looking to take leave for a few days from work, a sick note will get you the accommodation you need to recover from your sickness.

Getting a sick note? Here’s how you can get one:

1.Seven days off sick or less

If you are off work sick for seven days or less, your employer must not ask you to show them medical proof that you’ve been ill or suffered a minor injury. Well, you can do this on your own when you return to work. This is known as self-certification.

Self-certification is a way to prove that you were ill or injured and needed to take time off work to regain your health. Not every employer asks their employees to prove that they were ill or injured when they return. In such a situation, a sick note is enough to prove your health condition.

2.More than seven days off sick

Off work for more than seven days? Then your employer will ask for a sick note from your GP or hospital doctor.

3.How to count sick days

When you work out the number of days that you’ve been unwell or sick, it’s vital to count all the days in a row. You need to include those days you don’t work such as weekends and bank holidays.

4. How does a sick note work?

When you do the right kind of work, you remain healthy, including if you have a health condition. Well, you do not need to be fully recovered to resume your work. It can even help you recover. Having a sick note is beneficial as it can help you get back to work when you are able to.

Conclusion

If you’re unwell and cannot go to work, you must obtain a sick note. Know that there’s no charge from a doctor for providing patients with a sick note if they’re sick from work for more than seven days.