Employees can normally only self-certify absence for the first seven days.
All employees can now self-certify sickness for up to 28 days.
Under the temporary new rules designed to relieve pressure from GPs over the Christmas period, from Friday 17 December 2021 all employees in England, Scotland and Wales can now self-certify absence for up to 28 days.
Employees can normally only self-certify absence for the first seven days of absence.
The changes have been implemented to free up primary care capacity to focus on the coronavirus vaccine booster programme and emergency care.
The rules will revert back on 26 January 2022.
A fit note.
According to the GOV.UK website; “Employees must give their employer a doctor’s ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) if they’ve been ill for more than 28 days in a row and have taken sick leave.
“This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.
“If they started their sick leave before 10 December 2021, they must give proof if they’ve been off work for more than 7 days, including non-working days.
“If employees are self-isolating and cannot work because of coronavirus (COVID-19) they can get an ‘isolation note’ online from NHS 111.
There is a possibility the temporary rules could be extended if pressure on healthcare providers continues.
