For the first seven days of illness or injury, you do not need to provide your employer with a doctor's medical certificate (sick note). However, you should fill in a 'self-certification' form to provide evidence of your inability to work for your employer or the Department of Social Security. The forms are SC1 for the unemployed or self-employed, which is sent to the Benefits Agency, and SC2 for those in employment, to pass to your employer.

Your employer may ask you for a doctor's certificate (sick note) during the first seven days of your inability to work. As this is not legally necessary, you may be charged a fee for providing this service. The present cost is £ 7:50

If you see the doctor during the first seven days of your inability to work, and the opinion is that your condition is likely to last for more than seven days, you may be given a doctor’s certificate which will cover time off work from the date of the examination.

Further information is available from the local Department of Social Security office, or the Post Office.