Sickness – Health Works

How to get a sick note in the UK: every route explained

Written by Don on September 25, 2026. Posted in Sickness.

Getting a sick note is more straightforward than most people expect, and there are more routes to one than most people know about. Since 2022 it is not only GPs who can issue them, you do not always need a face-to-face appointment, and several practices will now issue one from an online request without you setting foot in the surgery. This covers every route, what each costs, how long each takes, and what to do if you are told no.

Sick note rules in the UK: the complete 2026 guide

Written by Don on September 21, 2026. Posted in Sickness.

The rules around sick notes in the UK are not complicated, but they are scattered – a bit in employment law, a bit in NHS guidance, a bit in whatever your employer’s absence policy says. And several of them changed in April 2026. This is all of it in one place: who needs a note and when, who can issue one, how long it can cover, what it can and cannot be backdated to, what you get paid, and what your employer is actually allowed to require.

Sick note for anxiety or depression

Written by Don on September 18, 2026. Posted in Sickness.

Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons people are signed off work in the UK, and they are treated in exactly the same way as a physical illness when it comes to fit notes, sick pay and your rights at work. That is the law. Whether it always feels that way is another matter, which is why it is worth knowing precisely where you stand before you have the conversation.

Long-term sick: your rights, your pay and your job

Written by Don on September 14, 2026. Posted in Sickness.

A short absence is straightforward. A long one is not: the fit notes keep coming, the sick pay changes, meetings start appearing in your inbox, and at some point the question of whether you still have a job stops feeling theoretical. This covers what actually happens when sickness absence becomes long term – what you are entitled to, what your employer can and cannot do, and what the realistic paths back look like.

Sick note for stress: how to get one and what it means

Written by Don on September 14, 2026. Posted in Sickness.

If stress is making you unable to work, a doctor can sign you off in exactly the same way as they would for a physical illness. But people worry about asking, whether they will be believed, what the note will say, and whether their employer will find out more than they want them to. Here is how it actually works.

Signed off work with stress: your rights and what happens next

Written by Don on September 14, 2026. Posted in Sickness.

Being signed off work with stress is more common than most people realise, and it is a recognised medical absence like any other. It is also a confusing position to be in: nobody hands you a leaflet explaining how long you can be off, what you will be paid, whether your boss is allowed to keep ringing you, or how you are supposed to go back. This guide covers all of that. It is written for the person who is off, not for their employer.

Self-Certification vs. Doctor’s Sick Notes: When to Use Each

Written by Don on November 21, 2024. Posted in Sickness. No Comments on Self-Certification vs. Doctor’s Sick Notes: When to Use Each

Sick leave policies in the UK allow employees to self-certify for short-term illnesses, but longer absences or certain conditions often require a doctor’s sick note (also called a fit note). Understanding when to use each type of sick note and what’s expected by employers can help avoid confusion and ensure compliance with workplace policies.

Understanding UK Sick Leave Policies: What Employees and Employers Need to Know

Written by Don on November 13, 2024. Posted in Sickness. No Comments on Understanding UK Sick Leave Policies: What Employees and Employers Need to Know

Sick leave is an essential aspect of employee rights and workplace management in the UK, but navigating the policies around it can sometimes be confusing. This guide will break down everything you need to know about UK sick leave policies—from statutory requirements to employer best practices—helping both employees and employers ensure compliance and create a supportive work environment.

How do I write a self-certify sick note letter for work in the UK?

Written by Don on November 13, 2024. Posted in Sickness. No Comments on How do I write a self-certify sick note letter for work in the UK?

If you’re feeling unwell and need to notify your employer, a sick note letter can help document your absence. In the UK, you can write your own sick note for absences up to 7 consecutive days. However, for longer absences or official documentation, employers often require a signed medical sick note from a qualified doctor.