Practice updates

Self Certification of Sickness

What is it?

If you are absent from work due to illness, you may be required to complete a self-certification form (also called a “self-cert” form) instead of obtaining a doctor’s certificate for short-term sickness. 

When can you use it?

  • If you are off sick for 7 calendar days or fewer (including weekends and bank holidays) you normally do not need a doctor’s certificate. You can self-certify instead. 
  • If your sickness continues beyond 7 days, your employer may require a “fit note” (also called a “Statement of Fitness for Work”) from a registered healthcare professional. 
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic there was a temporary arrangement allowing self-certification up to 28 days for certain absences. That has since reverted to the standard 7-day rule for new periods of sickness. 

Why is it used?

  • It reduces the need for a doctor’s appointment or certificate for short absences.
  • It helps both employees and employers by simplifying the process and recording the absence formally.
  • It still allows your employer to keep a record, check eligibility (for example for Statutory Sick Pay) and manage absence. 

What should the form include?

Typical information on a self-certification form (for example, the HMRC SC2 form) includes:

  • Your full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number. 
  • The date your sickness began and (if known) the date it ended. 
  • A brief description of the sickness or reason for absence. 
  • Signature and date, confirming the information is true. 

How to complete and submit it

  1. Download the appropriate form (for example, the HMRC “Employee’s Statement of Sickness (SC2)” form). 
  2. Fill it in clearly and accurately.
  3. Submit it to your employer according to their policy (many employers will have their own self-cert form and procedure).
  4. Retain a copy for your own records.
  5. If your sickness continues beyond the self-certification period (typically beyond 7 days) ensure you obtain the required medical certificate (“fit note”) and submit that promptly. 


Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) & self-certification

  • You may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) even if you have used the self-certification process, provided you meet other criteria (such as length of absence, qualifying period, earnings). 
  • The self-certification helps your employer assess eligibility for SSP by documenting your absence. 


Employer and Employee Responsibilities

  • Your employer should clearly set out their sickness absence and self-certification policy (within their contracts or employee handbook). 
  • As an employee, you must notify your employer of your sickness absence in the required manner, complete the self-cert form if requested, and provide any further evidence (if required) when your absence extends.
  • If you are absent long term or frequently, the employer may ask for medical evidence or a fit note earlier. 


Link to the official government guidance / form