A Fitness To Work Certificate must be signed by a doctor. The GP can either say you are not fit for work, or can say you may be fit for work with varying levels of support (reduced hours/reduced duties/ phased return etc.), or fully fit for work.

This is because work can play an important part in helping people to recover from illness on injury.

If you have seen a doctor at the practice about the condition for which you are requesting a Fitness To Work Certificate, or we have received information from a medical professional about your illness, then we will likely be able to complete your request without further consultation.

If you have not seen a doctor at the practice and we have had no information from a medical professional about your illness, you will not be able to get a certificate without an appointment. Please book a routine appointment; urgent appointments are only provided for genuine medical emergencies and not for the purpose of certificates.

In either case there are rules governing the issue of sick certificates and the GP may not be able to supply one, depending on the information you provide.

If you are under the care of a hospital, please request your certificate to be issued by the hospital, rather than by the practice.