Getting A Sick Note

[cassa333]

If you are going to be off sick for four weeks do you have to get a sick note from day one or can you self certificate for first week then four weeks from then? Or four weeks in total.

[Rockrose]

At my work we can self cert for 7 days, I believe it varies but its normally 3 days.

[Buenchico]

If you know that you're going to be off work for an extended period then basic courtesy (and retaining a good relationship with your employer) requires that you should inform the employer as soon as possible. (If, say, you're about to have major surgery, which requires a long recuperation period, that might well be quite a way ahead of your absence, rather than once it's started).

However there's no need to submit a formal 'fit note' (which is what 'sick notes' have become nowadays) until after 7 days absence. Indeed, it could cost money to do so because doctors are allowed to make a charge before that period is up.

https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave