eMed3 Fit Notes

You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any period of absence due to illness up to seven calendar days. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

eMed3 – not fit for work

If you are off sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’/eMed3 from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a eMed3 from your GP.

DOCTORS ARE NOT ABLE TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES DECLARING PATIENTS FIT FOR WORK/ RETURN TO WORK – this is the remit of occupational health which is normally arranged by the employer. At any point, if the patient feels well enough to return to work, this can be done without the need to involve the GP – even before the end of the certified period. If the patient still feels unable to work beyond the end of the certified period, they can request an extension via email, phone or eConsult.

eMed3 “may be fit for work”

The GP may issue on of these if they feel you may be fit for work on the grounds of appropriate workplace adaptions which may include reduced hours, phased return, altered duties amongst others.

For more information see DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)

Sick certification while self-isolating for Covid 19